Name: Spicy Sausage with Onion Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: ½ tablespoon oil; 6 pork sausages; 2 small-medium onions, halved and thinly sliced (about 1.5-2 cups); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons flour; ⅓ cup dry red wine (or extra beef broth); 2 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional); 1 sprig thyme (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; Mashed potatoes; Peas

Nothing says cozy home cooking quite like a warm plate of sausage smothered in rich, flavorful onion gravy. If you’re craving comfort food with a bit of a kick, this Spicy Sausage with Onion Gravy Recipe is going to become your new weeknight favorite.

A black cast iron pan holds six browned sausages in a thick, light brown sauce with visible sliced onions mixed in. The sausages are placed in a circle, some with slight charring on top, and the sauce looks creamy and smooth. Green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the sausages and sauce. A silver spoon scoops some of the sauce and onions in the bottom right part of the pan. Nearby, there are two white bowls, one filled with bright green peas and the other filled with creamy off-white mashed potatoes. The whole setup rests on a light gray woven cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Sausage with Onion Gravy Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Sausage with Onion Gravy Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Sausage with Onion Gravy Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore making this bangers and mash classic on chilly evenings—there’s something so satisfying about juicy pork sausages nestled in a rich onion gravy, paired with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s like a warm hug on a plate.

Hearty & comforting: Perfect for filling you up on those cold nights when you want something familiar and delicious.
Rich, savory flavor: The onion gravy is deeply flavorful and complements the sausages beautifully.
Simple ingredients: You likely already have everything on hand, making it easy to whip up any night.
Great for leftovers: Flavors develop even more the next day—lunch just got exciting!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing quality sausages and the right aromatics really makes this dish shine. Look for fresh pork sausages that aren’t overly processed. Sweet onions add just the right hint of caramelized flavor, and a splash of red wine brings depth to the gravy—though you can swap that out for beef broth if you prefer.

Flat lay of six fresh raw pork sausages with natural casing, two small-medium yellow onions halved and thinly sliced, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small mound of light beige all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with deep red dry red wine, a small white ceramic bowl with rich brown beef broth, one fresh green thyme sprig, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden vegetable oil, a heap of creamy mashed potatoes on a simple white ceramic plate, a small pile of fresh green peas on a white ceramic plate, salt and black pepper grains lightly scattered on the white surface, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Oil: A neutral oil works best to brown the sausages without overpowering their flavor.
Pork Sausages: Juicy and flavorful, they’re the star of the dish and soak up all the gravy goodness.
Onions: Thinly sliced to soften and caramelize, creating the rich base of the gravy.
Garlic: Adds a subtle aromatic punch that complements the onions.
Flour: Used to thicken the gravy into a luscious, silky sauce.
Dry Red Wine: Brings depth and a hint of acidity; can be replaced with extra broth if needed.
Beef Broth: Provides a savory foundation for the gravy’s flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: Optional, but adds a nice umami boost.
Thyme: Fresh or dried, adds a lovely herbal note to the gravy.
Salt & Pepper: To taste—essential for finishing the dish perfectly.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth, the ideal bed for soaking up the gravy.
Peas: A classic side to add color, texture, and a bit of freshness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Spicy Sausage with Onion Gravy Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to make it suit your taste and pantry. Whether you want to dial up the heat or sneak in some veggies, it’s easy to customize this comforting British classic.

Turn up the heat: I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a few chopped chili flakes when I sauté the onions for a smoky, spicy kick that makes this dish even more comforting on chilly nights.
Make it vegetarian: Swap the pork sausages for spicy vegetarian sausages and use a rich vegetable broth instead of beef broth—still delicious and perfect for meat-free Mondays!
Seasonal twists: In autumn, adding sautéed mushrooms or a handful of sautéed kale into the gravy gives a lovely earthy depth and extra nutrition.
Gluten-free option: Replace the regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy without losing any richness or flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Sausage with Onion Gravy Recipe

The dish shows a white bowl filled with three browned sausages layered on top of smooth, creamy mashed potatoes. The sausages are covered with a light brown gravy that also spreads over the mashed potatoes and has small pieces of onions. Bright green peas are placed on one side of the bowl next to the mash, adding a fresh pop of color. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on the sausages and gravy, giving a fresh look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a fork and knife wrapped in a gray striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the sausages to perfection

Start by heating ½ tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your 6 pork sausages and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until they're beautifully browned on all sides. This step locks in the juices and builds that irresistible flavor base. When they’re evenly golden and cooked through, remove the sausages and keep them warm while you prepare the gravy.

Step 2: Gently caramelize the onions

Using the same pan – hello flavor! – add the thinly sliced onions (about 1.5 to 2 cups) and cook over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until they soften and turn a gorgeous golden color. Then stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant. These sweet, tender onions create the soul of your gravy.

Step 3: Create the rich onion gravy

Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour over the onions and stir well to coat — this will thicken our sauce beautifully. Pour in ⅓ cup of dry red wine (or extra beef broth) slowly, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Whisk in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce to keep the gravy smooth and delicious. If you have a sprig of thyme, toss it in now to infuse subtle earthy notes.

Step 4: Simmer until thick and luscious

Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 5 to 8 minutes. This step melds the flavors and thickens the sauce just right — keep an eye on the pan and give it a gentle stir every so often.

Step 5: Bring it all together

Return the sausages to the pan and toss them gently in the onion gravy. Simmer for a few minutes more to heat everything through and allow those flavors to mingle. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve up your comforting classic

Plate the sausages over creamy mashed potatoes and ladle over plenty of the luscious onion gravy. Serve alongside some peas for a perfect, hearty British meal that’s sure to satisfy and warm you up from the inside out.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Spicy Sausage with Onion Gravy Recipe is easier when you know a few insider tips that make the cooking process smoother and the results tastier.

Keep the Sausages Juicy: Avoid piercing the sausages with a fork while cooking. This keeps all those delicious juices locked in for a tender, flavorful bite every time.
Sauté Onions Slowly: Take your time cooking the onions until they're soft and golden. Rushing them won’t give you that rich sweetness that makes the gravy so irresistible.
Deglaze the Pan Carefully: When adding red wine or broth, scrape up those caramelized bits. They add incredible depth and body to the gravy that you don’t want to miss.
Season Gradually: Salt and pepper in steps and taste as you go. This prevents over-seasoning and lets you adjust the flavors perfectly before serving.

How to Serve Spicy Sausage with Onion Gravy Recipe

A black cast iron pan filled with cooked onion slices that are soft and slightly browned, creating a textured layer covering the entire bottom of the pan. On top of the onions is a loose pile of white flour, scattered unevenly but centered in the pan, adding a powdery texture to the smooth onions below. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, with the pan handle extending slightly to the side. The lighting highlights the shiny, cooked onions and dry flour clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves brighten up the dish while adding a subtle freshness. A dollop of wholegrain mustard on the side can also give an exciting tang to complement the rich onion gravy.

Side Dishes

This Spicy Sausage with Onion Gravy pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of peas, which soak up all that flavorful gravy beautifully. For a crisp contrast, try roasted root vegetables or a simple green salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sausages and onion gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy meals later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the sausages and gravy separately or together. Place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure everything is completely cooled before freezing to preserve quality.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy thickens too much. Avoid microwaving to keep the sausages tender and juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of sausages for this recipe?

Absolutely! While pork sausages are traditional and really juicy, you can swap them for beef, chicken, or even vegetarian sausages according to your preference. Just adjust cooking times if needed.

What can I use if I don’t have red wine for the gravy?

You can substitute the dry red wine with extra beef broth. It’s a great way to keep the flavor rich without alcohol.

Is there a gluten-free option for the onion gravy?

Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy, and your dish will stay gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

How can I make the sausages extra flavorful?

Cooking the sausages slowly to allow them to brown evenly and then simmering them in the onion gravy enhances the flavor. Also, avoid piercing the skin so the juices remain locked in, making them more succulent.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Sausage with Onion Gravy Recipe is a lovely nod to classic British comfort food that brings warmth and hearty satisfaction to your dinner table. It’s straightforward but packed with flavor — perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests with a taste of tradition. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do. Happy cooking!