If you love hearty, comforting dishes that make the most of your dinner leftovers, then you are going to adore this Cowboy Pie (Leftover Chili Pie) Recipe. It’s a brilliant way to transform smoky sausage chili and humble pinto beans into a bubbling, golden-topped pie that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples and a few clever touches, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family or need a satisfying meal after a busy day, this Cowboy Pie is pure kitchen magic that turns yesterday’s chili into today’s showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cowboy Pie (Leftover Chili Pie) Recipe plays an important role, from the smoky depth of the chili to the creamy smoothness of the mash topping. The list is straightforward, perfect for a quick shop or scavenging your fridge, and each item brings a bit of texture, flavor, and color that makes this pie so irresistible.
- Smoky sausage chili: The rich, seasoned base with a wonderful smoky kick that anchors the whole dish.
- Pinto beans: Drained and ready to go, they add creaminess and fiber without overpowering the chili’s robust flavors.
- Barbecue sauce: Just a couple tablespoons lend a sticky, tangy sweetness that complements the smoky chili perfectly.
- Ready-made mash: Convenient and creamy, it creates a golden, fluffy topping that contrasts delightfully with the savory filling.
- Mature cheddar: A generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese forms a gorgeous, bubbly crust as it bakes.
- Fresh coriander leaves: Added at the end for a fresh, vibrant touch that wakes up every bite.
How to Make Cowboy Pie (Leftover Chili Pie) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Start by setting your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. This moderate heat level ensures the pie heats through evenly and the mash topping gets beautifully golden without drying out.
Step 2: Warm the chili and beans
In a medium saucepan, combine your smoky sausage chili and the drained pinto beans. Warm the mixture over medium heat until it’s steaming hot. This step not only melds the flavors but also ensures everything is cooked through before assembling.
Step 3: Add the barbecue sauce and season
Once your chili-bean base is piping hot, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of your favorite barbecue sauce. This adds a sticky sweetness that perfectly balances the smoky savoriness. Taste at this point and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed to suit your palate.
Step 4: Assemble the pie
Pour the warm chili mixture into a 1.5-liter ovenproof dish, spreading it evenly. Top it off with your microwaved ready-made mash, smoothing it out to create an inviting layer. Finally, scatter the grated mature cheddar evenly over the top to prepare for baking.
Step 5: Bake and finish
Place your assembled pie into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mash is golden and a little crisp around the edges, and the cheese is bubbling delectably. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh coriander leaves over the top to add a burst of vibrant flavor and a pop of green.
How to Serve Cowboy Pie (Leftover Chili Pie) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh coriander is ideal for sprinkling on top just before serving to brighten the rustic flavors with its herbal notes. For extra creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado on the side can take this pie to the next level of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This pie is quite satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Cornbread or tortilla chips add a nice crunch and country charm alongside the hearty pie.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Cowboy Pie in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch, perfect for dinner parties. For a family-style meal, serve it in a large baking dish with a side of pickled jalapeños and sliced red onion to add exciting contrasts of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cowboy Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s serving even more delicious. Just be sure to cover it well to keep the mash from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze portions of the pie before baking or freeze the fully baked dish once it’s cooled. Wrap it tightly in cling film and foil, or use a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 180°C (160°C fan) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Microwaving works for smaller portions, but you might lose some of the mash’s lovely texture that way, so the oven is preferred when possible.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chili in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with smoky sausage chili, feel free to use any leftover chili you prefer, such as beef, turkey, or vegetarian chili. The flavors will meld beautifully with the beans and mash topping.
Is there a substitute for ready-made mash?
You can definitely use homemade mashed potatoes if you like. They add a little extra effort but bring creaminess and freshness that taste amazing. Just make sure the mash is warm before topping the pie for smooth spreading.
Can I make this pie vegetarian?
Yes, swap the sausage chili for a vegetarian chili or a bean-only chili. The barbecue sauce and mashed potatoes will still create that satisfying, hearty experience without meat.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chili, barbecue sauce, and ready-made mash are gluten-free. Most ready-made mashes and BBQ sauces are naturally gluten-free, but check labels just in case. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free of gluten.
How spicy is the Cowboy Pie?
The pie’s spice level depends on the chili you use. This recipe often ends up with a mild to moderate heat thanks to the smoky sausage chili and beans, but you can always add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce if you like more kick.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Pie (Leftover Chili Pie) Recipe is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your leftovers while treating yourself to something deliciously cozy and satisfying. It’s simple to prepare, elevates everyday ingredients, and promises smiles with every cheesy, flavorful bite. Next time you have chili in the fridge, give this recipe a whirl—you might just have found a new favorite comfort food staple!
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Cowboy Pie (Leftover Chili Pie) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Pie is a hearty and comforting casserole perfect for using up leftover smoky sausage chili. This savory pie combines flavorful chili, pinto beans, and barbecue sauce, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted mature cheddar cheese. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s an ideal family-friendly meal served with fresh coriander for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Filling
- â…“ batch smoky sausage chili (approximately 400g)
- 2 x 400g cans pinto beans, drained
- 1–2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (Heinz Sticky Barbecue Sauce)
Topping
- 2 x 400g packs ready-made mashed potatoes, microwaved for 2 minutes
- 50g mature cheddar, grated
Garnish
- Fresh coriander leaves to serve
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6 to get it ready for baking the pie.
- Warm Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the smoky sausage chili and drained pinto beans. Warm the mixture over medium heat until steaming. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce and taste; adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the warm chili and bean mixture evenly into a 1.5-liter ovenproof dish. Spread the microwaved mashed potatoes on top evenly and sprinkle grated mature cheddar cheese over the mash.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous note.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to taste depending on how tangy or sweet you prefer the filling.
- For a smoother mash topping, mash the potatoes before microwaving if desired.
- If you don’t have leftover smoky sausage chili, you can prepare a quick chili with sausage and spices as a substitute.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the smoky sausage chili with a vegetarian chili and ensure the cheese is suitable for vegetarians.
