The Ultimate Cowboy Pie Recipe: A Hearty & Delicious Western Classic
Cowboy Pie. The name itself evokes images of wide-open spaces, crackling campfires, and hearty meals shared after a long day's work. This isn't your grandma's pie; it's a savory, satisfying dish perfect for a chilly evening or a rustic get-together. This recipe focuses on creating a truly authentic cowboy pie experience, emphasizing simple ingredients and robust flavors.
What Makes a Cowboy Pie Authentic?
Authentic Cowboy Pie isn't about strict rules, but rather a spirit of resourceful cooking. Historically, it used whatever ingredients were readily available. Think ground beef (or other readily available protein), potatoes, and vegetables, all topped with a simple biscuit crust. This recipe honors that tradition.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes a generous 9-inch pie. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed for different sized dishes.
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and ground venison for a true western twist)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can of corn, drained
- 1 (10 ounce) package of frozen peas and carrots
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Biscuit Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¾ cup milk
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Cowboy Pie Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, peas and carrots, potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Topping
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually stir in the milk until a soft dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the top of the meat and vegetable filling.
Step 3: Bake the Cowboy Pie
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This hearty Cowboy Pie is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it further:
- Add Some Spice: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for a kick.
- Cheese Please: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the biscuit topping before baking.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for dipping.
- Leftovers: Cowboy Pie reheats beautifully!
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