Stout Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe

If you’re craving a heartwarming, truly comforting meal, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Stout Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe is one of my absolute go-tos when I want something cozy, satisfying, and downright delicious. The combination of rich stout beer-infused onion gravy with perfectly browned sausages and creamy mashed potatoes is just magical. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these ingredients are everyday staples, but the stout beer is where the magic happens. I recommend Guinness for authentic flavor, but don’t be afraid to try your favorite stout or even a wheat ale for a twist.

• Bratwurst sausages: I love bratwurst because they have great flavor and fat content, which keeps the sausages juicy.
• Olive oil: Just a bit to get the sausages browning beautifully without sticking.
• Stout beer: Guinness is my go-to, but any stout works; it adds that malty bitterness that pairs perfectly with the sausages and gravy.
• Russet potatoes: These are ideal for mashing because of their fluffy texture once cooked.
• Butter: Adds richness to both your mash and your onion gravy.
• Buttermilk: I learned adding buttermilk instead of regular milk makes the mash silky and tangy, which balances the richness.
• Onion: Thinly sliced to caramelize slowly, building the deep base for the gravy.
• Flour: For thickening the gravy just right.
• Beef broth: Enriches the gravy with that meaty undertone.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.

Variations

One of the best things about this Stout Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve experimented with a few changes depending on what ingredients I have on hand or the season.

• Vegetarian twist: I once swapped the sausages for hearty vegetarian sausages – the stout onion gravy still worked beautifully and made a comforting meat-free version.
• Cheesy mash upgrade: Mixing in some sharp cheddar to the mash is my family’s favorite way to make it even more indulgent.
• Beer substitutions: If stout isn’t your thing, try a malty ale or even a porter – the different beers give subtly different flavor notes.
• Make it spicy: Adding a pinch of chili flakes to the gravy turned out to be an unexpected hit with guests who love a little heat.

How to Make Stout Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausages with Stout

Start by heating olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausages and pour in about 3 ounces of stout beer. Cover with a lid but leave a small crack so steam can escape – this helps cook the sausages through evenly without drying them out. I usually cook for about 10 minutes, turning the sausages halfway through to prevent sticking and promote even color.

Once they’re cooked through, remove the lid and let the stout liquid reduce, so it nicely coats the sausages. Then lower the heat and keep cooking, with the lid back on, turning regularly until the sausages are golden and caramelized – about another 10 minutes. This slow finish is key for that perfect browned exterior and juicy center.

Step 2: Make the Rich Stout Onion Gravy

While the sausages cook, melt butter in a separate pan over medium-high heat and add thinly sliced onions. Here’s a trick I discovered: don’t stir the onions too often. Let them do their thing and brown on one side before moving them, about 5-10 minutes. This slow caramelization builds that deep, sweet flavor perfect for the gravy.

Sprinkle the flour in and cook it for 2-3 minutes to remove that raw taste. Then pour in 1 cup stout beer and use a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits off the pan – that’s where all the flavor hides! Finally, add beef broth and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens and the foam disappears. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Mashed Potatoes

While the sausages and gravy finish up, peel and slice your russet potatoes. Boil them in salted water until tender – about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly, then mash together with softened butter and buttermilk until silky smooth. I always add the buttermilk gradually and taste as I go – it brightens the mash in a way regular milk can’t.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

To serve, pile up a generous scoop of mash, nestle in the sausages, and slather everything generously with that luscious stout onion gravy. I love to add extra gravy because, honestly, can you ever have too much?

How to Serve Stout Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few fresh chopped parsley leaves on top just before serving. It adds such a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich gravy and sausages. Plus, a little cracked black pepper right on the mash amps up the flavor.

Side Dishes

My favorite side with this is a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or buttered peas – the bright, fresh colors and textures balance the heavy richness perfectly. Sometimes I like to serve a crisp pickle on the side for an extra zing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to dish up the mash in mini cast-iron skillets, top with sausages, and drizzle the gravy tableside – it creates a lovely rustic vibe. Another fun idea is wrapping the sausages in puff pastry to make “sausage rolls” alongside the mash and gravy for a different texture contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. I separate the sausages, mash, and gravy if possible – it helps keep textures and flavors intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen both the gravy and cooked sausages separately, and they reheat beautifully. The mash doesn’t freeze as well because the texture changes, so I recommend making fresh mash if possible when you thaw and reheat the other components.

Reheating

Reheat sausages gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying them out. Warm the gravy in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally. The mash reheats best in the microwave with a splash of buttermilk or milk to loosen it up, so it stays creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Stout Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason—its comforting flavors and straightforward process make it one of my favorite meals to share with loved ones. I hope you find as much joy in making and eating it as I do. It’s the kind of dish that warms you inside and feels like a hug on a plate, perfect for any chilly day or when you just want a taste of traditional, hearty comfort food. Give it a try – I know you’ll love it as much as my family does!

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