Chilli Bean Pie

This Chilli Bean Pie is a rich, smoky, and comforting dish packed with beans, veggies, and a cheesy chipotle-spiced sauce, all topped with flaky golden puff pastry. It's a hearty twist on a classic bean chilli - and is so satisfying and easy to make. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.

This chilli bean pie has all the classic components of a typical chilli - peppers, a spicy chipotle sauce, sour cream, and cheese - and is perfect served with some sliced avocado on the side, or even some spicy mashed potato! 

If you like this recipe, try these next:

• Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie - A lentil-packed version of the classic.
• Sweet Potato & Black Bean Quesadillas - A Tex-Mex alternative with a cheesy sauce.
• Black Bean Tacos - Skip the pastry and serve the filling in taco shells.

Ingredient Notes

Here's a breakdown of the key ingredients and potential swaps:

• Beans: This recipe uses black beans and mixed taco beans which includes kidney beans and pinto beans, but you can swap in kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas according to your preferences.
  
• Chipotle Paste: Adds a deep, smoky heat. If you don't have it, use smoked paprika + a pinch of cayenne or a little adobo sauce from canned chipotles.
  
• Sweetcorn: Adds a little sweetness and texture. You can skip it or swap for peas.
  
• Puff Pastry: Store-bought works great, but if you prefer, you can use shortcrust pastry for a firmer, more traditional pie.
  
• Cheddar Cheese & Sour Cream: These make the filling creamy and rich. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if needed.

Variations & Substitutions

• Make it vegan - Swap the cheese and sour cream for plant-based alternatives, and use vegan puff pastry.
  
• Spice it up - Add chili flakes, extra chipotle, or a dash of hot sauce.
  
• Go crustless - Skip the pastry and serve as a bean chili bake with nachos or rice.
  
• Add protein - Stir in crumbled tofu or vegetarian mince for extra heartiness.

How To Make Chilli Bean Pie

The full recipe is below in the recipe card, but here's an overview with some key tips:

1. Prep & Sauté

Dice your onion, carrot, peppers, zucchini, and mince the garlic. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the veggies for 8-9 minutes until softened.

2. Thicken & Season

Stir in flour, then add tomato paste, chipotle paste, and spices. Cook for a couple of minutes to bring out the flavors.

3. Simmer the Filling

Pour in passata and vegetable stock, then let it simmer for 20 minutes until thick. Add the beans, adjust seasoning, and cook for another 10-15 minutes.

4. Make it Creamy

Take the pan off the heat and stir in cheddar cheese and sour cream.

5. Assemble the Pie

Pour the bean mixture into a pie tin, brush the edges with egg wash, and lay the puff pastry on top. Press down the edges with a fork, then lightly score the top for a golden, flaky crust.

Brush the pastry with egg wash and bake at 200°C (395°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Top Tips \ Chef's Notes

Here are a few top tips/chef's notes from trialling this recipe a few times to help you get the best out of the recipe.

• Dice veggies small - This ensures they cook evenly and blend into the filling. Aim to chop your veggies about the same size as the beans.
  
• Don't skip the flour - It helps thicken the sauce so the filling isn't runny. You might even consider adding a little more flour and allowing the sauce to simmer more to thicken if you wanted to add a layer of pastry underneath the pie.
  
• Make-ahead tip - The filling can be made a day in advance, then just add the pastry and bake when ready.
  
• Extra crispy pastry? Brush the top with a little milk or extra egg wash before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes for the best texture. You can freeze the filling separately for up to 3 months. Add fresh pastry when baking to avoid soggy results.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The filling can be made up to a day in advance, then just add the pastry and bake.

Can I use shortcrust pastry instead?
Yes, it will be firmer and more traditional, but just as delicious.

What if I don't have chipotle paste?
Use smoked paprika + a pinch of cayenne, or some adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free pastry, or serve without the crust.