This Curried Sausages recipe is a beloved Australian family favorite that transforms simple beef sausages into a hearty, warming meal that’s pure comfort on a plate. Unlike complex Indian curries, this dish uses a mild curry powder to create a golden, aromatic sauce that’s approachable for all taste buds, including children. The beauty of curried sausages lies in its simplicity – thick beef sausages are browned and then simmered with onions, curry powder, and a rich gravy until everything melds together into a satisfying one-pot wonder. This dish has been gracing Australian dinner tables since the 1960s and remains a weeknight staple because it’s quick, economical, and incredibly satisfying. The curry flavor is gentle and warming rather than hot, making it perfect for families. This recipe serves 6 people generously and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of that delicious golden sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6 people
What You’ll Need
For the Sausages:
- 12 thick beef sausages (about 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Curry Sauce:
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons plain flour
- 2 tablespoons curry powder (mild to medium)
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce (ketchup)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Mashed potatoes or steamed rice
Getting the Sausages Perfect
Start by pricking each sausage several times with a fork to prevent them from bursting during cooking. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them regularly until they’re golden brown all over. Don’t rush this step – proper browning adds incredible flavor to the final dish. Remove the sausages to a plate and set aside.
Building the Flavor Base
In the same pan with all those lovely browned bits from the sausages, add the butter and let it melt. Add the sliced onions and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and starting to turn golden. The onions will pick up all that delicious sausage flavor from the bottom of the pan.
Creating the Curry Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce. Add the curry powder and stir for another minute until it becomes very fragrant. This step is crucial for developing the curry flavor – you want the spices to bloom and release their essential oils.
Making the Golden Sauce
Gradually add the beef stock, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Start with just a little stock, whisking vigorously, then gradually add the rest. Add the water, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring regularly, until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Bringing It All Together
Return the browned sausages to the pan, nestling them into the curry sauce. Make sure they’re mostly covered by the liquid – add a little more water if needed. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. Turn the sausages once during cooking to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
Testing for Perfect Doneness
The sausages are ready when they’re heated through completely and the sauce has thickened to a rich, golden gravy consistency. The internal temperature of the sausages should reach 160°F. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more stock or water. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for the last few minutes.
Final Seasoning
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Some people like to add an extra pinch of brown sugar if the curry seems too savory, or a dash more Worcestershire sauce for depth.
Serving Your Comfort Food Classic
Serve the curried sausages hot, with 2 sausages per person and plenty of that golden curry sauce spooned over the top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. This dish is traditionally served with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the sauce beautifully, but it’s also excellent over steamed rice or with thick slices of buttered bread.
The Perfect Family Meal
This is the kind of meal that brings families together around the dinner table. The curry flavor is mild and comforting rather than challenging, making it perfect for kids while still being satisfying for adults. It’s also incredibly economical, feeding a family of six with simple, affordable ingredients.
Making It Your Own
Some families like to add sliced carrots or potatoes to the curry sauce, cooking them along with the sausages for a complete one-pot meal. Others add a splash of cream at the end for extra richness, or a handful of frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking for color and nutrition.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover curried sausages keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of stock if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Weeknight Winner
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Most of the cooking is hands-off simmering time, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already.
