ChilCon Cottage (Smoky Chili Cottage Pie)

Ingredients

• 500 g Pork mince
• 500 g Beef mince
• 1 large Onion (Roughly diced)
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves (Crushed and finely diced)
• 2 tbsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp Ground coriander
• 1 tsp Nutmeg
• 2 tbsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 tbsp Cumin
• 3 tbsp Barbecue rub (your favorite)
• 1 tsp White pepper
• 2.5 tbsp Chicken stock powder
• 1 15 oz can Black beans (Undrained)
• 1 15 oz can Chopped tomatoes
• 2 cans Water (Use empty tomato can to measure)
• 3 leaves Fresh bay leaves (Crushed slightly)
• 6 leaves Fresh sage
• 1 small handful Fresh parsley
• 1 sprig Fresh rosemary
• 1 whole Red Thai chili
• 1 large Red bell pepper (Chopped)
• 4 cups Sweet potato mash (Prepared, for topping)

Instructions

1. Combine Pork and Beef Mince

   In a large bowl, combine 500g pork mince and 500g beef mince. Mix thoroughly with clean hands until well blended.

   Time: PT5M

2. Chop Onion and Garlic

   Roughly dice 1 large onion. Crush and finely dice 4 garlic cloves.

   Time: PT5M

3. Cook Onion and Garlic

   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, until translucent and fragrant.

   Time: PT5M

4. Cook Minced Meat

   Add the combined pork and beef mince to the skillet. Cook, stirring and breaking up lumps, until no pink remains and the meat is cooked through. Do not brown or crisp the meat.

   Time: PT10M

5. Transfer to Slow Cooker

   Transfer the cooked meat, onion, and garlic mixture to a slow cooker.

   Time: PT2M

6. Add Spices and Seasonings

   Add to the slow cooker: 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tsp nutmeg, 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp cumin, 3 tbsp barbecue rub, 1 tsp white pepper, and 2.5 tbsp chicken stock powder. Stir well to combine.

   Time: PT3M

7. Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Water

   Add 1 can (15 oz) black beans (with liquid), 1 can (15 oz) chopped tomatoes, and 2 cans of water (using the tomato can as measure). Stir to combine.

   Time: PT2M

8. Add Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

   Add 3 fresh bay leaves (crushed), 6 sage leaves, a small handful of parsley, 1 sprig rosemary, 1 whole red Thai chili, and 1 large chopped red bell pepper. Stir well.

   Time: PT3M

9. Slow Cook the Mixture

   Cover and cook in the slow cooker on high for 3 hours, or until the mixture is thick and flavors are developed. Stir occasionally if possible.

   Time: PT3H

10. Prepare Sweet Potato Mash

    While the filling cooks, prepare 4 cups of sweet potato mash (boil, mash, and season sweet potatoes as desired).

    Time: PT10M

11. Assemble the Pie

    Transfer the thickened meat mixture to an oven-safe baking dish or individual pans. Spread sweet potato mash evenly over the top to cover.

    Time: PT5M

12. Score the Mash

    Use a fork to gently score lines across the sweet potato mash. This helps create a crispy texture when baked.

    Time: PT2M

13. Bake or Air Fry

    Bake in a preheated air fryer or oven at 180°C for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 180°C

Nutrition Facts

Calories

540

Protein

32g

Carbohydrates

38g

Fat

28g

Fiber

8g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Pork mince: All beef mince, Chicken mince
• Instead of Beef mince: All pork mince, Lamb mince
• Instead of Onion: Shallots, Leek
• Instead of Garlic cloves: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
• Instead of Chili powder: Chipotle powder, Ancho chili powder
• Instead of Cayenne pepper: Extra chili powder, Red pepper flakes
• Instead of Ground coriander: Coriander seed, freshly ground
• Instead of Nutmeg: Mace
• Instead of Smoked paprika: Regular paprika + liquid smoke
• Instead of Cinnamon: Allspice, Pumpkin pie spice
• Instead of Cumin: Ground caraway
• Instead of Barbecue rub (your favorite): Homemade spice mix
• Instead of White pepper: Black pepper
• Instead of Chicken stock powder: Beef stock powder, Vegetable stock powder
• Instead of Black beans: Kidney beans, Pinto beans
• Instead of Chopped tomatoes: Diced tomatoes, Crushed tomatoes
• Instead of Fresh bay leaves: Dried bay leaves (use 2)
• Instead of Fresh sage: Dried sage (1 tsp)
• Instead of Fresh parsley: Dried parsley (1 tbsp)
• Instead of Fresh rosemary: Dried rosemary (1 tsp)
• Instead of Red Thai chili: Jalapeño, Serrano chili
• Instead of Red bell pepper: Yellow or green bell pepper
• Instead of Sweet potato mash: Regular mashed potatoes

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Slow cooker
• Mixing spoon
• Oven-safe baking dish or individual pans
• Fork
• Air fryer or oven

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Cook Minced Meat: Ensure meat is fully cooked through before transferring to slow cooker.
• Add Spices and Seasonings: Properly measure and mix spices for balanced flavor.
• Slow Cook the Mixture: Cook long enough for flavors to meld and mixture to thicken.
• Bake or Air Fry: Bake until the top is golden and crisp for best texture.

Chef Tips from the Video

• For extra smokiness, add a splash of liquid smoke or use smoked salt.
• Top with grated cheese before baking for a cheesy crust.
• Let the pie rest 5-10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Make-Ahead Tips

• The filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated.
• Sweet potato mash can be prepared in advance and stored separately.
• Assemble and bake just before serving for best texture.