Cheesy mustard mashed potato resting on a layer of sausage and onions in a rich gravy – this truly is the ULTIMATE sausage pie!

As one of my most loved and most popular recipes, I had to include this in my Debut Cookbook ‘Comfy’!

close up shot of sausage and gravy underneath mash fresh out the oven

The ULTIMATE Sausage and Mash

I mean standard bangers ‘n’ mash is great, but in the form of a pie? Yep, we’re going there.

This recipe is a mash-up (pun fully intended) of my Red Wine Onion Gravy, Bangers & Mash, Cottage Pie and Mustard Mash. It’s insanely delicious, you’re gonna love it. First things first –

Sausages

I recommend investing in some good quality sausages, as they are one of the stars of the show here. Pork for this recipe, chicken or beef will not cut the mustard (again, pun fully intended).

Once you’ve fried them off, remove them from pan and leave the fat in the pan. This will be used not only for extra flavour but to kick off frying the onions.

how to pan fry sausages - 2 step by step photos

Onion Gravy

Because really, what’s sausage and mash without an onion gravy?

Caramelizing the onions is key!

The base of all good onion gravy is nicely caramelized onions. To achieve this you’ll need to cook them low and slow until they turn golden and sticky. Starting in sausage fat is going to add an insane amount of flavour too. The sweetness of the onions helps balance out the deeper, saltier flavours of the stock.

Red Wine, of course.

Once the onions are cooked down, melt in the butter and stir in flour (photos 3 & 4) to form a paste. From there it’s all about the wine. Adding wine gives the gravy a gorgeous depth of flavour and pairs beautifully with beef stock. Just stir through the wine then begin pouring in the beef stock (photos 5 & 6).

Top Tip – Add in Worcestershire sauce and thyme for extra flavour (photo 7). Worcestershire sauce deepens the beef flavour of the stock and the thyme pairs beautifully with pork and onions.

How to make sausage and gravy - 8 step by step photos

Cheesy Mustard Mash

Oh c’mon, did you really expect me to plonk regular mash on this pie? Adding cheddar and a good dollop of dijon really brings not only the mash but the pie as a whole to life. Two things to consider:

  • Steam Dry – After you’ve boiled them, allow the potatoes to steam dry for a little while to remove some moisture. You want the mash fairly firm otherwise it’ll sink into the gravy when baked.
  • Seasoning – Season the mash well, then season some more. Potatoes are notorious for sucking up salt into oblivion and nobody enjoys unseasoned mash on their pie.

To make the mash simply mash in butter and milk (or cream ), then stir in cheese, mustard and seasoning.

How to make cheesy mashed potato - 3 step by step photos

Sausage and Mash Pie

Just like the the mash, you want the sausage gravy to firm up slightly before combining and baking. Do you know that layer that firms up over gravy that you usually try and avoid? That’s a good thing in this case because it helps prevent the pie from collapsing.

It’s hugely important to place the baking dish on a tray because the pie will leak out gravy.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the sausage or mash layers in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to assemble/make the other half. Or, assemble the whole thing, cool, cover and pop it in the fridge for 2-3 days. If you’re doing this I recommend cooling the gravy layer in the fridge first so it builds up a barrier, then spread the mash on top. You can also freeze, then thaw in the fridge and bake.

How to make sausage pie - 2 step by step photos

close up shot of sausage and mashed potato pie showing filling in baking dish

Serving Sausage and Mash Pie

Can I make this recipe as just sausage and mash?

This recipe of course works just as well without making it into a pie. In which case I recommend using less flour in the gravy, just so it’s not so thick. Then prep as per recipe.

What to serve with Sausage Pie?

I always go for green beans, but any veg is great! (cauliflower, carrots etc).

Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this sausage and mash pie shall we?!

close up shot of sausage mash pie with green beans on small white plate

How to make Sausage and Mash Pie (Full Recipe & Video)

close up shot of sausage and gravy underneath mash fresh out the oven
5 from 22 votes

Sausage and Mash Pie

Cheesy mustard mashed potato resting on a layer of sausage and onions in a rich gravy - this truly is the ULTIMATE sausage pie!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
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Equipment

  • Large Pot & Colander
  • Large Deep Pan & Wooden Spoon
  • Potato Masher & Potato Peeler
  • Sharp Knife & Chopping Board
  • Large Baking Dish & Baking Tray (minimum size 8" x 12")
  • Jug (for stock)
  • Cheese Grater
  • Serving Spoon

Ingredients 

Sausage & Gravy

  • 28oz / 800g Pork Sausages (approx 12)
  • 3 cups / 750ml Beef Stock
  • 1/2 cup / 125ml Red Wine (see notes)
  • 14oz / 400g Onion peeled & sliced into strips (weight of onions BEFORE peeled. 14oz/400g is approx 2 large onions or 4 small/medium)
  • 4 tbsp Plain Flour
  • 3 tbsp Butter
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/4 - 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
  • Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
  • Olive Oil, as needed

Mashed Potato

  • 4.4lb / 2kg White Potatoes, peeled & diced into chunks (i.e Maris Pipers)
  • 1.5 cups / 150g Cheddar, grated
  • 1/2 cup / 125ml Milk or Cream
  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • 1 heaped tbsp Dijon Mustard (can reduce slightly if you're not keen on mustard)
  • Salt & Black Pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Add potato chunks to a large pot of cold water with 2 tsp salt and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cook for around 10mins until knife tender, then drain in a colander. Let them sit and steam for 5 or so mins before mashing, just to allow some moisture to escape.
  • Mash the potatoes with butter and milk. Stir in the cheese and mustard then generously season, mashing a little more if needed (I typically end up with 3/4 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp pepper, but work to taste).
  • Meanwhile, at the same time, in a large pan over medium heat add a drizzle of oil and add the sausages. Fry until browned all over and cooked all the way through. Remove from pan and leave the fat. Diagonally slice the sausages into chunks of 4 when ready.
  • Add the onions to the leftover sausage fat and fry until they begin to soften and pick up colour. Lower heat slightly and gently caramelize until golden, stirring occasionally so they don't stick to the pan (15mins or so). Season with salt and pepper.
  • Melt in 3 tbsp butter and bring the heat back up to medium. Stir in 4 tbsp flour until a paste forms. Pour in the red wine and stir until the paste reforms. Gradually add in the beef stock, stirring as you go to ensure no lumps form.
  • Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme and salt & pepper to taste. Allow to simmer for 15mins until it's nice and thick, then stir through the sliced sausages. Pour into a 20x30 baking dish and allow to rest for 5-10mins so a 'skin' forms over top.
  • Dollop by dollop add the mash on top of the sausages. I recommend working from the outside and not pushing down too hard or the gravy layer will become uneven. Use a fork to rough the top, then place it on a baking tray (important because gravy will leak out!)
  • Pop in the oven at 200C/390F for 20mins, or until nice and golden on top. Allow to rest for 5 minutes (important for keeping shape) then serve up and enjoy!

Video

Notes

a) Wine - I highly recommend adding this. It adds a gorgeous depth of flavour and pairs beautifully with the beef and sausages. I'm no wine expert, but you'll need a dry red (nothing OTT), something like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works well. If you don't want to add wine just add more beef stock.
b) Consistency - Important to allow the potatoes to steam dry a little to get some of the moisture out. Same with the sausage layer, you don't want either too sloppy otherwise it'll all collapse in the oven.
c) Baking Tray - Just another reminder to make sure you place the dish on a tray, leaked gravy stuck to the bottom of your oven isn't fun! 
d) Can I make this just as sausage and mash? - Sure thing! Just obviously don't slice up the sausages. Also, consider 1 less tbsp flour in the gravy or it'll be too thick. Just adjust with beef stock as necessary to thin out.
e) Can I make this in advance? - Sure! You can either make the mash and/or sausages and gravy in advance and store in the fridge before stacking and baking. Or, make the whole thing, then cool, cover and store in the fridge overnight until needed. If you're doing this I recommend cooling the gravy layer in the fridge before spreading the mash, just so it can build up a barrier and stop the mash from sinking in. I recommend baking at a slightly lower temp for a little longer to make sure it completely cooks through if cooking straight from fridge. You can also freeze then thaw in the fridge and bake.
f) Calories - based on using 1 tsp oil to fry, milk instead of cream and Italian Pork Sausages (28oz/800g) then divided by 6.

Nutrition

Calories: 987kcal | Carbohydrates: 82.55g | Protein: 34.84g | Fat: 57.03g | Saturated Fat: 23.346g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.18g | Monounsaturated Fat: 23.345g | Trans Fat: 0.351g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 1311mg | Potassium: 2335mg | Fiber: 7.8g | Sugar: 10.12g | Vitamin A: 480IU | Vitamin C: 48.5mg | Calcium: 297mg | Iron: 4.59mg

Looking for more?

You’ll find plenty more delicious comfort food like this in my Debut Cookbook ‘Comfy’


If you’re looking for more glorious mashed potato pie recipes then check out my Fish Pie, Shepherd’s Pie, Chicken & Bacon Pie and Cottage Pie recipes!

For more similar recipes check out these beauties too:

Easy Sausage Dinners


Chris Collins, food blogger at Don't Go Bacon My Heart in white jumper eating a slice of garlic flatbread
5 Knockout Dinners You’ll NEVER Stop Making
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Recipe Rating




62 Comments

  1. Lori says:

    5 stars
    DELICIOUS!! I made this tonight for a “Pie Night” at my church. It was so good I wasn’t planning on eating anything else lol! So flavorful! That onion gravy is next level. Definitely keeping this recipe. 100% recommend. Oh the only change I made was using cornstarch instead of flour for all the gluten free people… 1 tbs cornstarch to 2 tbs flour

    1. Chris Collins says:

      Ah that’s so great to hear, Lori! Thanks so much for popping back for a review 🙂 C.

  2. Tanya says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely divine!! Proper comfort food. Easy to follow method and really easy to get hold of, everyday ingredients that I’ve always got in stock!

    1. Chris Collins says:

      Ah that’s so great to hear, Tanya! Thanks so much for the review 🙂 C.

  3. Bert says:

    5 stars
    Great recipe! Cut it to 4 servings and followed ingredient reductions. Spot on. The thyme wasn’t listed in the ingredient list, however, so just added 1/4 tsp of dry thyme. It was delicious!

    1. Chris Collins says:

      Thanks for spotting the thyme! Glad it went down well 🙂

  4. Caroline says:

    This sounds amazing… thank you! Watching eurovision tomorrow (from the uk) and wanted to do a snazzier version of bangers and mash and this sounds perfect. Can’t wait to get stuck in and give it a try!

    1. Chris Collins says:

      Enjoy!! 🙂

  5. Tami says:

    5 stars
    Uhhhh yum! We had a last minute lightning and thunder downpour this afternoon and this warmed us right up! I couldn’t find any pork sausages at TJs that weren’t Italian flavor so I used Chicken garlic and herb, came out great!

    1. Chris Collins says:

      So happy to hear this went down well, Tami! Thanks so much for the review 🙂 C.

  6. Stephanie says:

    5 stars
    I made this for my family using Impossible sausage and it was delicious. No leftovers! I love your recipes because I am all about comfort food.

    1. Chris Collins says:

      So great to hear, Stephanie! Thanks so much for the review 🙂

  7. Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man! says:

    Um … yes please! This is perfect winter food!

  8. Del Davies says:

    Cant wait to give this a bash……sounds delish.. I am a passionate foodie , although at 86 i dont cook much these days. Do enjoy your blog enormously. Will report back once i have made this “pie” ! Cheers and thanku v.much.

    1. Chris Collins says:

      Ah that’s awesome, Del! Do let me know how you get on 🙂

  9. Ciara Joyce says:

    5 stars
    This was delicious. Going to be a new regular in our household, really enjoyed it!

    1. Chris Collins says:

      Great to hear, Ciara! Thanks so much for popping back for a review 🙂

  10. Jeannie says:

    5 stars
    Ok.. this was excellent! But…. I switched it out a bit and adapted it to a chicken sausage version. I used Harbanero Chicken Sausage, Chicken Broth, White Wine. Then made it the way your directions stated. It was delicious!! Thank you!

    1. Chris Collins says:

      Great to hear it works with chicken sausages! Thanks so much for the review, Jeannie 🙂