Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe
If you are craving a truly comforting and soul-warming meal, this Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe will become an instant favorite. It brings together juicy, perfectly browned sausages and a rich, velvety onion gravy that is irresistibly savory and full of depth. The slow-sautéed onions add a natural sweetness, while the homemade gravy ties everything together with just the right balance of herbs and seasoning. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this dish is approachable to make and endlessly satisfying to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a breeze because this recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a key role in the dish’s flavor and texture. From the golden onions that form the base of the gravy to the aromatic Worcestershire sauce and the fresh thyme adding layers of flavor, every item is thoughtfully selected for maximum taste.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich and fruity base for cooking the sausages and onions without overpowering the flavors.
- Sausages: Choose good-quality pork or your preferred variety for juicy, flavorful bites that stand up to the gravy.
- Large onions: Thinly sliced to create a sweet, tender foundation for the gravy.
- Freshly minced garlic: Adds a mild, aromatic pungency that enhances the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Enriches the gravy with creaminess and helps build the roux for thickening.
- Plain (all-purpose) flour: Essential for creating a smooth roux that gives the gravy its luscious texture.
- Beef stock: The hearty liquid base that brings richness and depth to the gravy.
- Thyme sprig (optional): Fresh herb leaves add subtle earthiness and brighten the flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: A tangy, savory umami boost that brings the gravy to life.
- Cracked black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Salt: Balances and enhances every flavor element.
- Mashed potatoes: Perfect for soaking up that delicious gravy.
- Steamed greens: Such as kale, lightly dressed with olive oil for freshness and color.
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 your sausages and cook them evenly for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning frequently so they brown beautifully on all sides and are cooked through. Once ready, remove them from the pan and set aside, keeping all those flavorful browned bits in the pan for the gravy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Next, carefully spoon out excess oil but leave about one tablespoon in the pan. Add your finely sliced onions and cook them gently for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally to soften the onions and coax out their natural sweetness, creating the perfect base for the gravy.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—it will add a lovely warm aroma without overpowering. Then add the unsalted butter and watch it melt into the onions, creating a rich, silky blend that will elevate the overall gravy experience.
Step 4: Create a Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the buttery onion mixture and stir well. This forms a roux, which is a thickening paste that eliminates the raw flour taste and gives your gravy that silky smooth texture everyone loves. Cook the roux for about one minute, stirring constantly.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
Now it’s time to add the beef stock gradually. Pour in half of the stock while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps, then add the rest, continuing to whisk until the mixture begins to simmer. This step is where the magic happens as the gravy thickens and develops its rich, hearty character.
Step 6: Season and Thicken
Infuse your gravy with fresh thyme leaves for subtle herbal notes (optional but recommended), along with Worcestershire sauce, cracked black pepper, and salt to taste. Let the gravy simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. If it feels too thick, stir in a little water or extra stock; if too thin, allow it to cook a bit longer, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Return those beautifully browned sausages to the gravy and let them heat through for a minute or two. This final step allows the flavors to meld perfectly so every bite bursts with that classic, comforting taste. Serve immediately with creamy mashed potatoes and your choice of steamed greens for a plate that promises pure comfort and satisfaction.
How to Serve Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few thyme sprigs on top adds a lovely pop of color and a subtle freshness that complements the warmth of the gravy. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of creamy mustard on the side is a delightful pairing.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside velvety mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of the onion gravy. Steamed greens like kale or broccoli offer a vibrant, healthy balance, drizzled lightly with olive oil for added brightness. For a heartier meal, buttery roasted root vegetables or crispy golden chips also work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz up your presentation, serve the sausages sliced diagonally on a rustic wooden board with gravy in a separate jug for dipping. Alternatively, create a layered casserole with mashed potatoes on the bottom, sausages nestled in the richness of the gravy, and a crispy breadcrumb topping baked until golden for an irresistible twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sausages with homemade onion gravy store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping everything together means the flavors continue to meld, making for even tastier next-day meals.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes well—cool everything completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers. The gravy and sausages maintain their quality for up to two months. Just remember to label your containers so you can enjoy them later with no guesswork.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or stock can help loosen the gravy if it thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, restoring that perfect silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional pork sausages are classic, you can use beef, chicken, or even vegetarian sausages depending on your preference. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the sausage type.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch, but use a little less and add gradually to get the right gravy consistency.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, soy sauce combined with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of sugar makes a great substitute that maintains the umami depth.
Can this dish be made vegan or vegetarian?
By opting for plant-based sausages, using vegetable stock instead of beef, and substituting butter with vegan margarine, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of this dish without losing any of its comforting qualities.
How do I prevent lumps from forming in the gravy?
Whisking constantly as you add the stock to the roux is key. Adding the stock slowly in small increments and maintaining a smooth stir helps you avoid lumps and ensures silky, smooth gravy every time.
Final Thoughts
Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that brings warmth and joy with every bite. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to share with loved ones on any occasion. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds and maybe even thirds!
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Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savor a classic comfort food with this Sausages with Homemade Onion Gravy recipe. Juicy sausages are browned to perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful onion gravy made from scratch using caramelized onions, garlic, and a smooth roux-based beef stock gravy. Served with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed greens, this meal is perfect for an easy yet satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Sausages and Cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 sausages (pork or your preferred variety, see notes)
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
Accompaniments
- 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 they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove the sausages from the pan and set them 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 they become softened and slightly translucent.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the butter and allow it to melt fully, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Create a 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 raw flour taste while stirring continuously.
- Make the Gravy: Gradually pour in half of the beef stock while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the remaining stock, continue whisking, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Season and Thicken: Add the thyme leaves (if using), Worcestershire sauce, cracked black pepper, and salt to taste. Let the gravy simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. If too thick, thin with water or more stock; if too thin, simmer longer.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked sausages to the pan with the gravy to heat through and coat evenly. Serve immediately alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed greens for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- For best results, use good quality pork sausages or your preferred type such as Cumberland or bratwurst.
- Worcestershire sauce can be substituted with soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar if unavailable.
- Quick mashed potatoes: boil peeled potatoes until tender, mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. For a freezer-friendly option, prepare in bulk and freeze portions.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute beef stock with vegetable stock and use vegetarian sausages.
- Adjust seasoning gradually—gravy thickness can be tweaked by simmering longer or adding liquid.
- Steamed greens like kale or broccoli can be drizzled with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British