Cowboy Pie

Cowboy Pie

Think of this dish as the bold transatlantic cousin of a British shepherd's pie. Instead of mince and tomato, its packed with hearty Cumberland sausages and back bacon baked in Heinz Baked Beans with a crisp and buttery mashed potato topping.

Cook Time:45 Minutes

Serves:4 Servings

Prep Time:20 Minutes

SKIP TO THE RECIPE

What is Cowboy Pie?

At first glance a Cowboy Pie looks very similar to a Shepherds Pie, but the filling could not be more different.

This comfort food bake is made with British pork sausages, rashers of back bacon baked in a sauce made of English baked beans and topped with buttery mashed potato. Guranteed to be a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. Here's everything you need to know about Cowboy Pie, from the key ingredients to where Americans can buy the authentic British sausages and baked beans that you need to make it.

What goes into a Cowboy Pie?

Like most British recipes, there's no single way to make a Cowboy Pie. Some families add cheese to the mash, some sneak in extra veg, and some swear by a spoonful of Colman's Original English Mustard in the beans. What everyone agrees on is that it needs proper British-style sausages and proper British baked beans. If you're looking for where to buy the right ingredients for Cowboy Pie in the USA, you can find them here at Jolly Posh Foods.

Let's take a look at what goes into a classic Cowboy Pie.

1. Cumberland Sausages

The star of the show. British Cumberland sausages are traditionally peppery and well seasoned, which cuts through the sweetness of the beans beautifully. If you'd prefer something milder, our traditional British pork sausages work just as well.

2. Back Bacon

A few rashers of British back bacon add a salty, savoury depth to the filling. Back bacon is cut from the loin rather than the belly, so it's meatier than American bacon.

3. Heinz Baked Beans

British baked beans form the "gravy" of your Cowboy Pie, so it's important to use British-style baked beans. UK-style Heinz beans have a lighter, savoury tomato sauce, whereas sweet, smoky American baked beans can make the finished dish far too sugary once you add BBQ sauce.

4. BBQ Sauce

A couple of tablespoons of your favourite American BBQ sauce gives the filling a smoky kick, which is where the "cowboy" comes in. Go easy at first; you can always add more.

5. Onion

A diced onion, softened in the sausage and bacon fat, adds sweetness and body to the filling.

6. Mashed Potato

A thick layer of creamy mash made with plenty of butter and a splash of milk. Floury potatoes such as russets give the fluffiest result. Rough up the top with a fork before it goes in the oven for extra crispy bits.

7. Cheddar Cheese (optional)

A handful of grated mature cheddar scattered over the mash turns golden and bubbly in the oven. Optional, but highly recommended!

FAQs for Cowboy Pie

What's the difference between Cowboy Pie, Shepherd's Pie and Cottage Pie?

All three are baked dishes with a mashed potato topping, but the filling is different. Shepherd's pie is made with minced lamb, and cottage pie with minced beef, both in a rich gravy. Cowboy Pie swaps the mince and gravy for sausages, bacon and English baked beans.

Where can I buy Cowboy Pie ingredients in the USA?

Finding authentic British sausages, back bacon and UK-style Heinz beans in America can be difficult - we know, that's why our company started! Jolly Posh is America's Number 1 British Butcher since 2009, and we ship British-style meat products and British pantry favourites nationwide across the USA.

Can I use American baked beans?

You can, but we don't recommend it. American baked beans are much sweeter and smokier, and combined with BBQ sauce, the filling can end up tasting more like dessert than dinner. UK-style Heinz Baked Beans keep it savoury.

What are the best sausages for Cowboy Pie?

Our Cumberland sausages are our top pick, as their peppery seasoning balances the beans perfectly. For a milder, more kid-friendly pie, use our traditional British pork sausages.

What should I serve with Cowboy Pie?

It's a meal in itself, but a side of garden peas, green beans or buttered cabbage adds some welcome colour. And of course, a dollop of ketchup or HP Sauce never goes amiss.

How to Make Cowboy Pie

Ingredients:

For the filling:

1lb Jolly Posh Cumberland Sausages (6 sausages)
4 Back Bacon Rashers, chopped
2 tins Heinz Baked Beans
1 yellow onion (chopped)
2 tbsp of your favourite American BBQ Sauce

For the topping:

2lb Floury Potatoes (such as russets), peeled and chopped
3 tbsp Butter
Splash of Milk
Handful of Grated Mature Cheddar (optional)
Salt and Pepper

Method:

Step 1: Make the Mash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain well, then mash with the butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausages

While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large frying pan with a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook, turning frequently, until golden brown all over. This typically takes 8-10 minutes. They'll finish cooking in the oven, so don't worry if they're not quite cooked through yet. Remove from the pan and slice into chunky pieces.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon and Onion

In the same pan (to save on washing up!), add the chopped bacon and diced onion. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the onion is soft and the bacon is pink.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Tip the sausages, bacon and onions into an ovenproof dish, then stir in the baked beans and BBQ sauce. Spread it out evenly.

Spoon the mashed potato over the top, spreading it right to the edges to seal in the filling. Rough up the surface with a fork and scatter over the grated cheddar, if using.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the top is golden and crispy and the filling is bubbling at the edges. Make sure the sausages are cooked through, to 165°F.