Easy Onion Gravy Recipe (Using Bisto) – Ready In 15 Minutes

This easy onion gravy recipe using Bisto is perfect for bangers and mash, sausages and roast dinners and takes just 15 minutes to make.

Updated: 6 March 2026

This easy onion gravy recipe using Bisto gravy granules is one of the quickest ways to make rich, tasty gravy for sausages, mashed potatoes or Yorkshire puddings.

Ready in around 15 minutes, this simple recipe uses just butter, onion, gravy granules and boiling water to create a thick, flavourful onion gravy that tastes like a proper homemade version — but without all the long simmering.

If you need a quick gravy for bangers and mash, Sunday dinner or a cosy midweek meal, this quick onion gravy is absolutely perfect.

Why This Easy Onion Gravy Recipe Works

There are plenty of onion gravy recipes that take 30–60 minutes to cook down onions slowly.

But sometimes you just want a quick homemade gravy for sausages or roast dinner without spending ages standing over the hob.

This recipe works because:

• Butter softens the onions quickly and adds flavour
• Bisto gravy granules provide instant richness
• The onions give the gravy real homemade taste

The result is a proper rich onion gravy in minutes, perfect for pouring over sausages, mash or Yorkshire puddings.

Ingredients For Easy Onion Gravy

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this onion gravy.

• 30g butter
• 1 red onion (white or brown onions also work well)
• 4 teaspoons Bisto gravy granules
• 300ml boiling water

Bisto gravy granules are widely available in UK supermarkets and are a quick way to create a smooth gravy base.

Equipment Needed

• Chopping board
• Knife
• Saucepan
• Teaspoon
• Wooden spoon or cooking spoon
• Measuring jug

How To Make Onion Gravy

Step 1 – Prepare The Onion

• Peel the onion and slice it into thin half-moon slices.
• Thinner slices cook more quickly and blend nicely into the gravy.

Step 2 – Fry The Onion

• Add the butter to a saucepan and melt it over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and gently cook them for 5–6 minutes, stirring regularly, until they soften.
• Avoid browning them too much — you just want them soft and slightly golden.

Step 3 – Make The Gravy

• Add the Bisto gravy granules to a measuring jug.
• Pour over 300ml boiling water and stir well until the granules dissolve fully and the gravy thickens slightly.

Step 4 – Combine The Onion And Gravy

• Pour the prepared gravy slowly into the saucepan with the cooked onions.
• Stir well and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the gravy thickens and the onions are fully coated.
• Your easy onion gravy is ready to serve.

What To Serve With Onion Gravy

This rich onion gravy is perfect with lots of classic British comfort foods.

Some of our favourite ways to serve it include:

• Bangers and mash
• Yorkshire puddings
• Air fryer sausages
• Roast dinners
• Sausage casserole
• Slow cooked brisket

It also works brilliantly poured over creamy mashed potatoes or chips.

How To Store Leftover Onion Gravy

Leftover onion gravy can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of hot water if the gravy thickens too much.

Easy Variations To Try

You can easily customise this onion gravy recipe.

Mushroom Onion Gravy

Add sliced mushrooms when frying the onions for a richer flavour.

Vegetarian Onion Gravy

Use vegetarian gravy granules instead of beef gravy.

Extra Rich Onion Gravy

Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a small knob of extra butter.

Tips For The Best Onion Gravy

• Slice onions thinly so they soften quickly
• Stir the gravy constantly when mixing to avoid lumps
• Add extra boiling water if the gravy becomes too thick
• Simmer gently for deeper flavour

More Easy Dinner Recipes

If you enjoy quick comfort food recipes like this, you might also like:

• Sausage Casserole
• Slow Cooker Brisket & Gravy
• Beef and Ale Stew
• Air Fryer Sausages

Onion Gravy FAQ

A few quick answers to the most common questions about making this easy onion gravy recipe.

Can I make onion gravy without Bisto?

Yes, you can make onion gravy without Bisto by using beef stock and a thickener such as flour or cornflour, but Bisto makes this recipe much quicker and still gives a rich, tasty result.

Can I freeze onion gravy?

Yes, onion gravy freezes well. Let it cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost thoroughly and reheat until piping hot before serving.

Can I make onion gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can make onion gravy ahead of time and reheat it later in a saucepan or microwave. Add a splash of hot water if it thickens too much when reheating.

What is the best onion to use for onion gravy?

Red onion gives a slightly sweeter flavour, but brown or white onions also work really well in onion gravy, so use whichever you have at home.

What do you serve with onion gravy?

Onion gravy is perfect served with bangers and mash, Yorkshire puddings, roast dinners, air fryer sausages and creamy mashed potatoes.

Disclosure – the Joseph Joseph nesting bowl - measuring jug set used whilst making this recipe was gifted for review in November 2017 – you can read the Joseph Joseph nesting bowl review here.