Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy is a classic British comfort dish, often known in the UK as “bangers and mash.” It features juicy, golden-browned sausages served over creamy mashed potatoes and topped with a rich, deeply flavored onion gravy.
The sweetness of slowly caramelized onions blends beautifully with savory beef stock, while the buttery mash balances everything with smooth, fluffy texture. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for cozy family dinners or a traditional pub-style meal at home.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Sausages:
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8 good-quality pork sausages
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1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
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2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and chopped
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4 tbsp butter
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½ cup warm milk (adjust as needed)
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
For the Onion Gravy:
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2 large onions, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups beef stock
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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½ tsp fresh thyme (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Sausages
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausages and cook for 12–15 minutes, turning regularly, until browned and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
2️⃣ Make the Mashed Potatoes
Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
Drain well and return to the pot.
Add butter and mash until smooth.
Gradually add warm milk and mix until creamy.
Season with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Prepare the Onion Gravy
In the same pan used for sausages, melt butter with olive oil.
Add sliced onions and cook on medium-low for 15–20 minutes until soft and caramelized.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in beef stock.
Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme.
Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Season to taste.
4️⃣ Assemble and Serve
Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates.
Place sausages on top.
Generously pour onion gravy over everything.
Serve hot and enjoy!
❓ Q & A
❓ Why is it called “bangers and mash”?
The term “bangers” dates back to World War I in Britain, when sausages had high water content and would burst (or “bang”) while cooking.
❓ Can I use different sausages?
Yes! Beef, chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausages all work well.
❓ How do I make the mash extra creamy?
Use heavy cream instead of milk and add an extra tablespoon of butter.
❓ Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Replace the flour in the gravy with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
❓ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.