If you’re on the hunt for a truly comforting, soul-soothing dish that brings classic flavors to your dinner table, look no further than this Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth, featuring juicy sausages nestled in a rich, deeply savory onion gravy. Every component perfectly balances each other, making it not just a dish, but an experience that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself to an indulgent weekday dinner, this recipe brings timeless British charm and simple ingredients together in a way that’s absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With basics you probably already have on hand, this recipe keeps things simple but never skimps on flavor. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the tender onions that caramelize into sweetness to the savory depth of beef stock, creating the perfect gravy base to elevate those sausages.
- Olive oil: Adds a light, flavorful base for browning the sausages and cooking onions without overpowering the dish.
- Sausages: Choose good-quality ones for juicy, delicious bites, as they’re the star protein here.
- Large onions, finely sliced: Their slow softening brings out that sweet, mellow flavor essential for homemade onion gravy.
- Freshly minced garlic: Just a touch to awaken the flavors and add depth to the gravy.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a smooth, rich roux when combined with flour for thickening the gravy.
- Plain (all-purpose) flour: The magic thickener that turns the broth and butter into silky gravy.
- Beef stock: Provides robust, meaty flavor that’s the heart of the gravy’s richness.
- Thyme sprig (optional): Adds herbaceous notes that complement the onions and sausages beautifully.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle tangy umami punch; alternatives can be used if you prefer.
- Cracked black pepper: Adds a mild heat and aromatic spice.
- Salt: To balance and enhance all the flavors perfectly.
- Mashed potatoes: Ideal for soaking up all that luscious onion gravy.
- Steamed greens: Such as kale, drizzled with olive oil to add freshness and color on the plate.
How to Make Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown Your Sausages to Perfection
Start by heating olive oil in a large pan on medium heat. Place your sausages in and cook them steadily, turning frequently, until they’re gorgeously browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step locks in their juiciness and starts layering flavor right from the pan juices.
Step 2: Gently Soften Sliced Onions
After taking the sausages out, remove most of the excess fat but keep about a tablespoon to cook your onions in. Add the finely sliced onions and let them soften gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow softening draws out their natural sweetness without browning, setting the stage for that luscious gravy.
Step 3: Infuse with Garlic and Butter
Pop in the minced garlic and stir just for 30 seconds until fragrant — trust me, the aroma here is magic. Next, add the butter and allow it to melt fully, giving the mixture a silky richness that will transform the onions into a decadent gravy base.
Step 4: Create the Roux with Flour
Sprinkle in the flour, stirring well to combine with the butter and onions, forming a smooth paste called a roux. Let it cook for about a minute to get rid of any raw flour taste. This step is crucial for that silky, velvety texture everyone loves in a gravy.
Step 5: Gradually Add Beef Stock for Thickening
Slowly pour in half the beef stock while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the rest and keep whisking until velvety smooth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, watching it transform into that perfect gravy consistency. It’s a fascinating process where simple ingredients meld into pure comfort.
Step 6: Season and Thicken the Gravy
Now’s the time to add the thyme leaves if you’re using them, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt to your taste. Let the gravy simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. If the gravy gets too thick, simply loosen it with a splash of water or extra stock; if too thin, simmer it a bit longer — adjusting is key for your personal preference.
Step 7: Combine Sausages and Serve
Return those beautifully cooked sausages back to the pan, coating them in the glossy onion gravy. Serve this comforting duo immediately, pairing it with fluffy mashed potatoes and vibrant steamed greens for a meal that feels like a warm embrace at the end of a long day.
How to Serve Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme leaves add a lovely touch of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish. A small pat of butter dotted on your mashed potatoes can also melt into the gravy and rounds out the meal beautifully.
Side Dishes
Food is best with balance, so serve your sausages and homemade onion gravy next to creamy mashed potatoes — they soak up the sauce perfectly. Adding steamed greens, such as kale or green beans drizzled with a bit of olive oil, gives a fresh contrast and keeps things feeling wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these sausages with thick slices of crusty bread for mopping up every last drop of that onion gravy. You can also thin the gravy slightly and use it as a sauce over baked potatoes or even drizzled on a warm savory pie for a comforting British-inspired meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sausages with homemade onion gravy store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld. Just be sure to cool it down before refrigerating.
Freezing
This dish freezes well too! Portion out the sausages and gravy in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When frozen properly, it retains all the delicious flavor and texture ready for a quick meal later.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then gently warm on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to refresh the flavors. If needed, add a splash of water or stock to revive the gravy’s silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe works wonderfully with pork, beef, or even chicken sausages. Just ensure your sausages are high quality to keep the dish juicy and flavorful.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce mixed with a bit of vinegar makes a great alternative to maintain that tangy, umami depth in the gravy.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
You can easily swap sausages for vegetarian or plant-based versions and use vegetable stock instead of beef to keep the rich flavor profile in the onion gravy.
How do I get the onions sweet and soft without burning?
Cooking sliced onions over medium heat with a bit of oil and stirring frequently ensures they soften gently and caramelize just right without any bitterness.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the onion gravy ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently and add freshly cooked sausages to keep every component tasting fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly comforting about sausages smothered in a rich, homemade onion gravy, and this Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and perfect for both cozy family dinners or impressing guests with simple, heartfelt cooking. Give it a try and experience firsthand how these humble ingredients come together to create a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
Description
A comforting and hearty meal featuring perfectly browned sausages smothered in a rich, homemade onion gravy. Paired traditionally with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed greens, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Sausages
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 sausages (see notes for recommendations)
Onion Gravy
- 2 large onions, finely sliced
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
- 2 cups (500 ml) beef stock
- 1 thyme sprig, leaves picked (optional)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (see notes for substitutes)
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed potatoes (see notes for a quick, freezer-friendly recipe)
- Steamed greens (such as kale, drizzled with olive oil)
Instructions
- Cook the sausages: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook, turning frequently, for 6–8 minutes until browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove the sausages from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the onions: Spoon out any excess oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the sliced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add garlic and butter: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the butter. Once the butter has melted, stir to combine.
- Create the roux: Add the flour to the onion mixture and stir well to create a paste. Let the roux cook for 1 minute to eliminate any floury taste.
- Add beef stock: Gradually pour in half of the beef stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the remaining stock, whisking continuously, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season and thicken gravy: Add the thyme leaves (if using), Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt to taste. Simmer the gravy for 2–3 minutes until it thickens. If it’s too thick, add some water or extra stock; if too thin, simmer a little longer.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked sausages to the gravy. Serve the hearty dish immediately alongside mashed potatoes and steamed greens for a comforting, delicious meal.
Notes
- Sausage recommendations: Choose good-quality pork or beef sausages, or any preferred variety that holds well when cooked.
- Worcestershire sauce substitutes: Soy sauce or tamari can be used for a similar umami depth.
- For quick mashed potatoes: Use instant mashed potato flakes or prepared mashed potatoes from the freezer, warmed before serving.
- Adjust gravy consistency with water or additional stock to achieve desired thickness.
- Steamed greens such as kale, spinach, or green beans make a healthy side, lightly drizzled with olive oil for added flavor.
