If there’s one meal that instantly wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, it’s this classic Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe. Imagine juicy, perfectly browned sausages nestled in a rich, silky onion gravy that’s bursting with savory depth and a little hint of sweetness from slow-cooked onions. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a big, comforting hug on a plate, perfect for cozy dinners or whenever you crave something that tastes like home. The blend of simple ingredients transforms into an unforgettable combination that will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe starts with straightforward, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully. Each item plays an important role, from the meaty sausages lending hearty flavor, to the onions that bring a natural sweetness and body to the gravy.
- Olive oil: Used to brown the sausages and sauté the onions, adding a subtle fruitiness and helping develop a lovely crust.
- Sausages: Choose quality sausages for juiciness and taste; pork, beef, or a mix all work wonderfully here.
- Onions: Finely sliced and cooked slowly to unlock their natural sweetness, which forms the base of the gravy.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic introduces a fragrant depth without overpowering the dish.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth texture in the gravy.
- Plain (all-purpose) flour: Used to thicken the gravy and give it a luscious consistency.
- Beef stock: The liquid base for the gravy, delivering robust meaty flavor and depth.
- Thyme sprig: Optional, but highly recommended for an earthy herbal note that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and umami, bringing the gravy’s flavors to another level.
- Cracked black pepper: A pinch of pepper provides just the right amount of spice.
- Salt: To taste, enhancing all the ingredients without overwhelming them.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy and smooth, they’re ideal for soaking up every last drop of gravy.
- Steamed greens: Such as kale lightly drizzled with olive oil, balancing the richness with freshness.
How to Make Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausages
Begin by heating olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning frequently. Browning them on all sides creates that irresistible caramelized crust and ensures they cook through perfectly. When done, take the sausages out and set them aside—your cozy meal foundation is ready.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Remove any excess oil from the pan but leave about a tablespoon behind. Add the finely sliced onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and translucent. This step is where the natural sugars start to develop, setting up the beautiful base for your gravy.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter
Stir in the freshly minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t rush this part because garlic adds warm aromatic layers. Next, toss in the unsalted butter, letting it melt gently and mingle with your softened onions and garlic for rich flavor and a silky texture.
Step 4: Create a Roux
Sprinkle the flour into the mix and stir well to form a roux—a smooth paste that’s essential for thickening your gravy. Cook this for about a minute to get rid of any raw flour taste, making your sauce velvety and deliciously smooth.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
Slowly pour in half of the beef stock while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Then add the rest of the stock, whisking constantly until it comes together as a smooth sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is where all those wonderful flavors begin to marry.
Step 6: Season and Thicken
Add the thyme leaves if using, Worcestershire sauce, cracked black pepper, and salt to taste. Let the gravy simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens to a luscious consistency. If it feels too thick, simply add a splash of water or extra stock to loosen it up, and if it’s not thick enough, keep simmering until you achieve that perfect pourable texture.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Return your browned sausages to the pan and coat them thoroughly in that glossy, fragrant onion gravy. This step lets the sausages soak up those amazing flavors, ready for the grand finale—serving your dish hot alongside fluffy mashed potatoes and bright steamed greens for a meal that’s pure comfort on a plate.
How to Serve Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves over the dish. This not only adds a pop of color but also a touch of fresh herbal aroma that complements the rich gravy perfectly. A grind of fresh black pepper on top can also brighten the flavor just before serving.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are a classic and perfect match to soak up every bite of that luscious onion gravy. Steamed greens like kale, broccoli, or green beans provide an earthy, vibrant contrast that balances the richness of the sausages and gravy, making the meal both hearty and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sausages with gravy over a bed of creamy polenta or buttered noodles. You can also slice the sausages and top a crusty slice of toasted bread with the onion gravy and sausage pieces for a rustic open-faced sandwich that’s bursting with cozy flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sausages and onion gravy keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sausages in the gravy helps maintain their moisture and flavor, so everything tastes just as comforting the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes very well. Place the sausages and gravy in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To best preserve texture and flavor, cool the food completely before freezing and label the container with the date.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until warmed through. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of stock or water to loosen it before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pork sausages are traditional and flavorful, beef, chicken, or even vegetarian sausages work great. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and choose ones that you love for the best results.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce handy, a splash of soy sauce or a bit of balsamic vinegar can provide a similar umami depth. Just start with a small amount and taste as you go.
Is it possible to make this gravy without flour?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. For cornstarch, mix it with cold water before adding to avoid lumps and cook until thickened.
How do I get the onions perfectly soft and sweet?
Cooking the onions slowly over medium heat and stirring occasionally is the key. Avoid rushing by turning up the heat too quickly; instead, let them soften and release their natural sugars gently for a rich, sweet base.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can slice the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a day or two. The sausages can also be cooked and refrigerated; just warm them through in the gravy when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about a warm plate of sausages smothered in homemade onion gravy, especially when paired with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh greens. This Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe is that comforting, timeless dish everyone needs in their kitchen repertoire. It’s simple to make, packed with rich flavors, and just plain delicious—give it a try and see how it becomes your next go-to dinner favorite!
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Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
Description
This classic Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy recipe offers a comforting and flavorful meal featuring browned sausages simmered in a rich, savory onion and beef gravy. Served best with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed greens, it’s a hearty dish perfect for a satisfying family dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Sausages
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 sausages (pork or beef, your choice)
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
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- Salt, to taste
To Serve
- 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 and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely, stirring to combine with the onions.
- Create a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir well to create a smooth paste. Let the roux cook for 1 minute to remove any raw flour taste.
- Make the Gravy: Gradually pour in half of the beef stock while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the remaining stock and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Season and Thicken: Add the thyme leaves (if using), Worcestershire sauce, cracked black pepper, and salt to taste. Simmer the gravy for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Adjust consistency by adding water or extra stock if too thick, or simmer longer if too thin.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked sausages to the pan with the onion gravy, coating them well. Serve immediately with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed greens for a warm and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can choose pork, beef, or vegetarian sausages depending on preference.
- Worcestershire sauce can be substituted with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- For quick mashed potatoes, use instant mashed potato flakes or frozen mashed potato from the freezer aisle for convenience.
- Steamed greens like kale, spinach, or broccoli add a fresh, healthy contrast to the rich dish.
- If gravy becomes too thick, thin with a little hot water or beef stock to desired consistency.
