Alright, let’s talk comfort food—because who doesn’t need a little bit of that in their life? Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s about to become your new go-to: Cowboy Pie. This dish is like a warm hug in a bowl—packed with savory sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, and all the good stuff you need to power through your day. It’s gluten-free, full of protein, and just downright delicious. Ready to roll up your sleeves and dive in? Let’s get cookin’!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ Comfort in Every Bite: This Cowboy Pie is like the ultimate cozy meal. Think sausages, mashed potatoes, and all that savory goodness. It’s perfect for those days when you need a warm, hearty meal.
→ High in Protein: Packed with chicken sausages and beans, this dish gives you that protein boost to keep you energized, whether you’re meal prepping or just having a filling dinner.
→ Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch, and you’ve got lunch or dinner covered for a few days. It’s just as good reheated, so no need to worry about what’s for the next meal.
→ Gluten-Free Goodness: No gluten here, just all the flavor. It’s an easy win for anyone avoiding gluten but still wanting something tasty.
→ Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make this. Just the basics, but it still tastes amazing!
→ Family-Friendly: If you’ve got picky eaters at home, this one’s a crowd-pleaser. Sausages, mashed potatoes, and cheese—what’s not to love?
Basically, it’s delicious, filling, and super easy to make. What’s not to love, right?
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What You’ll Need To Make
Let’s talk about some of the star ingredients that make this Cowboy Pie so darn delicious:
→ Chicken Sausages: These are the heart of the dish! They add that savory, juicy flavor without being too greasy. Plus, they’re packed with protein, so you’re getting a good dose of fuel to keep you going.
→ Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes on top? Yes, please! They bring all the comfort to this pie and give it that perfect texture. It’s the kind of mashed potatoes that just melt in your mouth.
→ White Beans: These beans are more than just a filler! They add a nice bit of texture and a boost of protein and fiber. Plus, they soak up all those delicious flavors in the sauce, making each bite even better.
→ BBQ Seasoning: A little smoky, a little sweet, and totally mouthwatering. The BBQ seasoning gives the pie that extra layer of flavor that makes it stand out from the crowd. It’s like a flavor bomb in every bite.
→ Cheddar Cheese: Because, let’s be real, cheese makes everything better. The melted cheddar on top gets all gooey and golden, adding that perfect finishing touch to this already amazing dish.
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s flavorful, filling, and just plain fun to eat. Each one plays its part in making this Cowboy Pie a winner!
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 60 mins
1| Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and get that kitchen ready! Toss the sausages in a greased frying pan and cook them up for about 5 minutes until they’re browned. Once they’re looking good, take them out and set them aside for later.
2| In the same pan, sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it’s softened and smelling delicious. Add in your BBQ seasoning, garlic granules, and smoked paprika. Give it a stir, and then pour in the tomatoes, a little balsamic vinegar (trust me, it adds flavor!), and the chicken stock.
3| Slice the sausages into quarters and toss them back into the pan with the carrots. Let everything simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are cooked through and the carrots are nice and tender. Stir in the mixed beans and let them warm up too.
4| Transfer that hearty sausage mixture to a baking dish and top it with those Protein Boost Mashed Potatoes. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top, and pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Dinner’s ready! You’ve got a warm, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and protein. Enjoy!
Glycemic Index: 42 (low) Glycemic Load: 18 (moderate)
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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Here are some fun recipe swaps and tweak ideas to customize your Cowboy Pie:
1. Swap the Chicken Sausages:
- Turkey Sausages: Looking for a leaner option? Turkey sausages work great and still pack a punch of flavor.
- Plant-Based Sausages: If you’re going vegetarian or vegan, try plant-based sausages made from soy or pea protein. They’ll still give you that savory bite!
2. Mashed Potato Tweak:
- Sweet Potatoes: Want to add a little sweetness? Swap regular mashed potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes. It’ll bring a new flavor dimension and extra vitamins.
- Cauliflower Mash: Keep things lower carb by using mashed cauliflower instead. You still get the creamy texture without the starch.
3. Bean Alternatives:
- Black Beans: Want a bit more flavor and color? Try black beans instead of white beans. They’ll pair perfectly with the smoky BBQ seasoning.
- Chickpeas: If you’re craving a little more texture, swap in chickpeas for a hearty bite that soaks up all the flavors.
4. Spice It Up:
- Add Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of chili powder. If you like it hot, this will definitely add some heat.
- Cumin: If you’re into a more earthy flavor, throw in some cumin along with the smoked paprika. It’ll add a deeper, savory vibe.
5. Cheese Variations:
- Mozzarella: For a stretchy, gooey cheese experience, swap the cheddar with mozzarella. It’ll melt beautifully on top.
- Parmesan: Want a more savory, sharp taste? Try adding some grated Parmesan over the top for an extra hit of umami.
6. Add Veggies:
- Zucchini: Slice some zucchini and toss it in with the carrots for a fresh veggie boost. It’ll soak up the flavors and add a bit of crunch.
- Spinach: Add a handful of spinach to the sausage mix for a burst of color and extra nutrients. It cooks down quickly and blends right in.
7. For Extra Crunch:
- Topping with Crumbled Crackers or Chips: For a little crunch on top, sprinkle some gluten-free crackers or chips before baking. This adds a fun texture and a little extra flavor.
Feel free to mix and match these swaps and tweaks to create your own personalized Cowboy Pie! It’s all about making it your own while keeping that comforting, hearty vibe.
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Helpful Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to make your Cowboy Pie even better:
1. Brown the Sausages Well:
Make sure to brown the sausages well in the pan. This step adds a nice, crispy texture and deepens the flavor, giving your Cowboy Pie that perfect savory base.
2. Don’t Overcook the Carrots:
Carrots should be tender but still have a little bite to them. If they’re overcooked, they can get mushy and lose that fresh flavor. Keep an eye on them while they simmer!
3. Use a Deep Dish for Baking:
Since this recipe has lots of layers, using a deeper baking dish will help keep everything together and allow for an even bake. Plus, it’ll help prevent any spills in the oven!
4. Customize Your Mashed Potatoes:
Want to make your mashed potatoes extra creamy? Add a splash of milk or some butter when mashing. You could even throw in some garlic for an extra burst of flavor!
5. Let the Pie Rest:
After baking, let your Cowboy Pie rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.
6. Keep an Eye on the Cheese:
Watch the cheese carefully as it bakes—it should be golden and bubbly, but you don’t want it to burn. If it’s getting too brown before the pie’s done, just cover it loosely with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
7. Make It Ahead:
If you’re prepping for the week, this pie holds up well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can even freeze it for up to a month—just bake it, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for a quick meal!
8. Add Some Fresh Herbs:
Before serving, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top. It adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish, making it look even more appetizing.
9. Taste as You Go:
Don’t forget to taste your mixture as you cook! Every brand of seasoning or stock can taste a little different, so make sure to adjust the seasoning as you go to get the perfect balance of flavors.
These tips will help you get the best results, making your Cowboy Pie even more delicious and foolproof!
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Serving Ideas
Here are some tasty serving ideas to go along with your Cowboy Pie:
1. Side Salad:
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect way to balance out the rich, hearty Cowboy Pie. Try a mix of leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of seeds for crunch.
2. Roasted Veggies:
Serve it alongside some roasted veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. The crispy edges of roasted veggies pair nicely with the soft, creamy pie.
3. Garlic Bread:
Nothing beats a side of garlic bread to scoop up any delicious sauce from the pie. It’s the ultimate comfort food pairing, with that crunchy, buttery goodness.
4. Gravy on the Side:
If you’re into extra sauce, serve the Cowboy Pie with a side of gravy. It adds even more flavor and a smooth finish to every bite.
5. Sautéed Greens:
For a lighter, nutritious side, try sautéing some spinach or kale with garlic and olive oil. It’s quick and gives you that burst of freshness that complements the rich pie.
6. Pickles or Relish:
A little pickle or relish on the side brings a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the pie. It’s a great way to add some zing to your meal!
7. Steamed Veggies:
A side of steamed carrots or green beans can add a fresh, light touch to your meal, helping balance out the hearty pie.
8. Cornbread:
For a Southern twist, serve your Cowboy Pie with a slice of cornbread. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and gives you a satisfying, slightly sweet contrast.
These serving ideas will take your Cowboy Pie to the next level, adding variety and balance to your meal!
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Storage Options
Here are some great storage options to keep your Cowboy Pie fresh for later:
1. Refrigeration (For 3-4 Days):
- Store in an Airtight Container: After your Cowboy Pie cools, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for 3-4 days. Perfect for meal prepping or leftovers!
- Cover with Foil or Plastic Wrap: If you don’t have a container, you can cover the pie with foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
2. Freezing (For Up to 1 Month):
- Freeze in Portions: If you want to store it longer, freeze individual portions. This way, you can grab a slice whenever you’re in the mood for a quick, delicious meal. Simply wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Full Pie Freezer Storage: You can also freeze the whole pie. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap the entire pie in a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It’ll keep well for up to 1 month in the freezer.
3. Reheating Tips:
- Reheat in the Oven: The best way to reheat Cowboy Pie is in the oven to keep that crispy top. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake it for about 20 minutes until it’s heated through. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Microwave for a Quick Reheat: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual servings. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out, and heat for about 2-3 minutes, depending on the portion size.
With these storage options, you can enjoy your Cowboy Pie fresh for days or weeks to come—easy and convenient!
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Final Thoughts
And there you have it—Cowboy Pie, in all its glory! It’s got everything you need: tasty, filling, and seriously easy to make. Whether you’re meal prepping or just looking for a cozy dinner, this recipe’s got your back. So, grab a plate, dig in, and enjoy! Let me know how it turns out, and if you make any tweaks, I’d love to hear about ‘em. Happy cooking, friends!
Recipe Card
Cowboy Pie
Looking for a hearty, filling meal? My Cowboy Pie has you covered! 🐔💥 With tender sausages, mashed potatoes, and a mix of beans, this gluten-free, protein-packed dish will have everyone coming back for more. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). In a greased frying pan, brown the sausages for approximately 5 minutes. Once browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside. -
Step 2:
In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion for 5 minutes until softened. Add the BBQ seasoning, garlic granules, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine, then add the canned chopped tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and chicken stock to the pan. -
Step 3:
Slice the sausages into quarters and return them to the pan along with the sliced carrots. Allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes, or until the sausages and carrots are fully cooked. Stir in the mixed beans and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. -
Step 4:
Transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture to a baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes and sprinkle with the grated cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dish is heated through. -
Step 5:
Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty, nutritious meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 553kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Total Carbohydrate 76g26%
- Protein 33g66%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
