True Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy – Pure Comfort Food Recipe
If you’re longing for a dish that wraps you in a warm hug from the inside out, then look no further than True Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy – Pure Comfort Food. This classic British favorite combines juicy, browned sausages with creamy mashed potatoes, all smothered in a rich, deeply flavorful onion gravy. It’s a straightforward recipe that brings together simple ingredients but results in a meal that feels like a special occasion on any ordinary night. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving a bit of nostalgic goodness, this dish is an unbeatable option that satisfies on every level.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple yet essential for creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures in True Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy – Pure Comfort Food. Each component plays its part, from the hearty sausages bringing robust meatiness to the silky mashed potatoes and the sweet, caramelized onion gravy tying everything together.
- 4 sausages: Choose your favorite kind; pork sausages work wonderfully for their flavor and juiciness.
- 2 large potatoes: Perfect for mashing, these provide the creamy base for the dish.
- 1 onion: Thinly sliced and caramelized to add sweetness and depth to the gravy.
- 1 cup beef stock: Adds a rich, savory note to the onion gravy, perfectly complementing the sausages.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used in the mash for a velvety texture and indulgent flavor.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Helps to thicken the onion gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Salt to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Pepper to taste: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
How to Make True Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy – Pure Comfort Food
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into even pieces so they cook uniformly. Boil them in salted water until they’re tender and soft enough to mash easily. This creates the comforting, creamy base that contrasts beautifully with the sausages and gravy.
Step 2: Cook the Sausages
While the potatoes are boiling, heat a pan over medium heat and cook your sausages until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. This step locks in their juiciness and ensures they have that signature savory bite. Keep that pan handy because it holds all the flavors you’ll soon use for the onion gravy.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
Slice your onion thinly and add it to the pan used for the sausages. Sauté them over medium heat until they are beautiful shades of gold and deeply fragrant. Caramelizing onions takes a bit of patience, but it infuses the gravy with a sweet complexity that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Make the Onion Gravy
Sprinkle your tablespoon of flour over the caramelized onions and stir for about one minute. This cooks out the raw flour taste and begins thickening your sauce. Slowly pour in the beef stock, stirring continuously, then let it simmer until it thickens to just the right consistency — smooth, rich, and glossy.
Step 5: Mash the Potatoes
Drain the cooked potatoes well, then mash them with butter until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting until you reach that perfect comfort-food flavor. The butter enriches the mash, making it the perfect canvas for the savory sausages and luscious gravy.
Step 6: Assemble Your Dish
To serve, pile a generous helping of mash on your plate, layer the golden-brown sausages on top, and drizzle lavishly with that incredible onion gravy. This final combination is what makes True Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy – Pure Comfort Food such a beloved classic – hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
How to Serve True Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy – Pure Comfort Food

Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over your dish to add a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note. A little greenery brightens the plate visually and offers a mild contrast to the rich flavors. Some like a dollop of wholegrain mustard on the side for a tangy kick that complements the sausages beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your bangers and mash alongside seasonal steamed vegetables such as green beans, peas, or roasted carrots. These add a wholesome crunch and a vibrant burst of color that balances the hearty main attraction. A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette is also a refreshing accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on tradition, try serving the sausages sliced on top of the mashed potatoes, with the onion gravy poured over in a dramatic swirl. Alternatively, make individual portions in ramekins, layering mash, sliced sausages, and gravy for a charming presentation that’s perfect for guests. It’s comfort food with a little flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to three days and tastes great when reheated, allowing you to enjoy True Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy – Pure Comfort Food again without additional effort.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, freeze the sausages, mashed potatoes, and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers. This preserves the flavors and textures better. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a convenient, comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
Gently reheat the mash and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Warm the sausages in the oven or a pan to retain their crisp exterior. Reheating this way helps maintain the flavors and textures that make True Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy – Pure Comfort Food so enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausages in this recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional pork sausages work wonderfully, feel free to use beef, chicken, or even vegetarian sausages depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.
What type of potatoes are best for mashing?
Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal because they break down easily, creating fluffy, smooth mash perfect for soaking up gravy.
How do I make the onion gravy if I don’t have beef stock?
You can substitute beef stock with vegetable stock or even a broth cube dissolved in water. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and hearty.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the butter in the mash for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan margarine, and ensure your sausages and stock don’t contain dairy ingredients.
Is there an easy way to caramelize onions faster?
While traditional caramelizing takes time to develop maximum sweetness, increasing the heat slightly and stirring frequently can speed things up, but be careful not to burn the onions as this will add bitterness.
Final Thoughts
True Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy – Pure Comfort Food is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy experience that invites everyone to gather around, relax, and enjoy something lovingly homemade. Once you have mastered this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to comfort dish that feeds both body and soul. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and dive into this heartwarming classic—you won’t regret it!
PrintTrue Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy – Pure Comfort Food Recipe
Classic British comfort food featuring juicy sausages served over creamy mashed potatoes, topped with rich and savory onion gravy made from caramelized onions and beef stock. This hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Pan-frying, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Sausages and Mash
- 4 sausages
- 2 large potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Onion Gravy
- 1 onion
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 tablespoon flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook uniformly. Then boil them in salted water until they become tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Cook the Sausages: In a pan over medium heat, cook the sausages thoroughly until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes depending on thickness.
- Caramelize the Onions: Slice the onion thinly and sauté in the same pan used for the sausages to absorb the flavors, cooking over medium heat until soft and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- Make the Gravy Base: Add 1 tablespoon of flour to the caramelized onions and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and help thicken the gravy.
- Add Beef Stock: Pour in the beef stock gradually while stirring, then let the mixture simmer until it thickens to a gravy consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
- Mash the Potatoes: Once boiled, drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add butter and mash them until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the mashed potatoes, arrange the sausages on top, and drizzle generously with the onion gravy. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
- For a richer mash, you can add a splash of milk or cream.
- Use good quality sausages for the best flavor.
- The onion gravy can be made vegetarian by substituting beef stock with vegetable stock and using vegetarian sausages.
- Caramelizing the onions gently is key to developing a sweet, deep flavor for the gravy.
- Leftover gravy can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 sausage with 1/4 of mash and gravy)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: bangers and mash, sausages, mashed potatoes, onion gravy, British comfort food, hearty meal

