Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy: A Classic British Comfort Food

Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Mash Recipe

This Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Each element of the dish complements the others perfectly, creating layers of flavor and texture. The rich onion gravy takes the savory sausages and fluffy mashed potatoes to the next level. And because this dish is so simple to prepare, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

The onions cook slowly, turning sweet and soft, and when combined with beef stock and balsamic vinegar, the gravy becomes irresistible. Let’s not forget the mashed potatoes—creamy, buttery, and the perfect partner to those succulent sausages. If you’ve never made this dish before, you’re in for a treat. And if you have, then you know it’s time to make it again!

Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy Ingredients You’ll Need

First for the Onion Gravy:

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced 🧅
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar 🍇
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups beef stock 🥣
  • 4 tsp cornstarch (or cornflour)
  • 4 tsp cold water
  • Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂

For the Mash:

  • 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered 🥔
  • 6 tbsp milk 🥛
  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed (that’s 1/2 cup) 🧈
  • Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂

For the Bangers (Sausages):

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 8 thick sausages (pork, beef, or flavored) 🌭

Step-by-Step Instructions Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy

1. Start with the Onion Gravy 🧅

The rich, flavorful onion gravy is the star of the dish, so we’ll start there. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cover the pan with a lid. Let them cook gently for about 10 minutes until they are soft and starting to caramelize. Slowly simmering the onions enhances their natural sweetness, allowing their flavors to develop deeply and become rich and savory.


2. Add Flavor to the Gravy 🍇

After 10 minutes, stir in 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar. These ingredients will deepen the flavor of the onions, giving the gravy a sweet, tangy richness. Cover the pan again and let the onions cook for another 5 minutes.

3. Simmer the Gravy 🥣

Now, pour in the 2 1/2 cups of beef stock and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Thicken the Gravy 🔄

In a small bowl, mix 4 teaspoons of cornstarch with 4 teaspoons of cold water to form a thin paste. Slowly add this mixture to the gravy, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Increase the heat to high and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.


5. Cook the Potatoes 🥔

While your gravy is simmering, get started on the mashed potatoes. Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a pot of cold water, bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Boil the potatoes for around 15-20 minutes, or until a fork can easily pierce through them, indicating they are perfectly tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot to keep warm.


6. Fry the Sausages 🌭

While the potatoes are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. This should take about 20 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the sausages to a dish and keep them warm.


7. Make the Mash 🧈

To finish the mashed potatoes, add 6 tablespoons of milk and 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) of butter to the pot you used to boil the potatoes. Warm the milk and butter gently over low heat until the butter has melted.


Add the potatoes back into the pot and mash until smooth and creamy.


Season with salt and pepper to taste.


8. Serve and Enjoy! 🍽️

Now comes the best part—assembling your Sausage and Mash! Spoon a generous serving of the creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate, place two sausages on top, and ladle the onion gravy over everything. The combination of the savory sausages, buttery mashed potatoes, and rich gravy is pure comfort food bliss. Enjoy every bite!


Tips for Perfect Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy

  • Choosing the Sausages: Feel free to experiment with different types of sausages. Pork, beef, or even flavored sausages like apple or herb-infused varieties work beautifully with this dish.Learn more about different types of sausages on BBC Good Food
  • Extra Creamy Mash: For an even creamier texture, you can use a potato ricer. It helps break down the potatoes more smoothly without overworking them.
  • Make It Ahead: The onion gravy can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it possible to use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Feel free to choose any sausage that suits your taste, whether it’s pork, beef, chicken, or even a vegetarian option. Pork, beef, chicken, or even vegetarian sausages all work well in this recipe.

2. Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes and gravy in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat them gently when you’re ready to serve. Fry the sausages fresh for the best results.

3. How do I keep the mashed potatoes light and fluffy?

To ensure light and fluffy mashed potatoes, make sure to drain them well after boiling. Also, warm the butter and milk before adding them to the potatoes, as cold butter and milk can make the mash lumpy.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Roasted carrots, peas, or steamed green beans make excellent side dishes to complement the rich flavors of sausage and mash.


Pair This Dish with a Perfect Side

If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to serve with your Sausage and Mash, consider adding a fresh green salad or some steamed green beans for a touch of freshness. You can also try it with some Buttery Peas or Roasted Root Vegetables for a full, hearty meal.


Conclusion: A Comforting Classic

Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy is the ultimate comfort food—a dish that warms both the body and the soul. The succulent sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich onion gravy come together in a way that’s truly irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress. Try it out for yourself and bring a taste of classic British comfort food to your kitchen! If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love our Classic Beef Stew or Garlic Lemon Butter Lobster Tails for your next family dinner.

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Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy: A Classic British Comfort Food


  • Author: isabellamarie
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy is a comforting, classic British dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Featuring savory sausages served over creamy mashed potatoes and smothered in rich onion gravy, this dish is simple yet bursting with flavor. Whether you’re preparing a casual family dinner or impressing guests with a hearty meal, this recipe will not disappoint. Serve it with steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Onion Gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups beef stock
  • 4 teaspoons cornstarch, or corn flour
  • 4 teaspoons cold water
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Mash:

  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 6 tablespoons milk
  • 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cubed
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Sausages:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 8 thick sausages (pork, beef, or flavored)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onion Gravy:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook gently for about 10 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Cook for another 5 minutes until the onions are caramelized.
  • Pour in 2 1/2 cups of beef stock and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk it into the gravy. Cook for 10 more minutes, or until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

2. Make the Mash:

  • In a large pot, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add milk and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Cook the Sausages:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the sausages, turning occasionally, for about 20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  • Once done, place the sausages in an ovenproof dish and keep warm.

4. Serve:

  • To serve, spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates, top with sausages, and generously pour the onion gravy over everything. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Tip: For extra creamy mashed potatoes, you can pass them through a potato ricer before adding the milk and butter.
  • Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

Keywords: Sausage and Mash British Comfort Food Onion Gravy Creamy Mashed Potatoes

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