Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what this article covers. We’ll start with the personal story behind devilled sausages, a dish that warms kitchens across generations. Then, we’ll uncover what makes them different from curried sausages, explore the flavor profile, and answer the most common questions about this beloved meal. Along the way, I’ll share helpful tips, relatable kitchen moments, and natural pairings with other cozy recipes like roasted soups and hearty mains.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Growing up with comforting sausage dishes
When I think about hearty meals that fill the kitchen with aroma and warmth, devilled sausages always come to mind. This dish reminds me of weekends in Naples, where my mother—never a trained chef but always a magician with flavors—would pull simple sausages from the pan and somehow transform them into something extraordinary. She loved to add sweetness from fruit chutney or apples, balanced by a gentle spice that made every bite lively. Later, when I moved to New York, I found myself recreating her dishes to bring a taste of home into my small apartment kitchen.
On cold evenings, there’s something grounding about a plate of sausages with a rich tomato base, sweet chutney, and just enough spice to keep you reaching for another bite. They’re rustic, satisfying, and perfect with creamy mashed potatoes. Much like a lamb mince ragu, they prove that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be full of love and bold flavor.
Why this dish still matters today
Today, devilled sausages have found a place in kitchens around the world, often with a little twist depending on where you’re cooking. In Australia and New Zealand, they’re a staple family dinner; in my own home, they’re the dish I turn to when I want food that tastes like a hug. Unlike a rib steak dinner that feels like an occasion, sausages are approachable, quick to prepare, and endlessly versatile.
The “devilled” part of the name signals heat and spice, though not overwhelming—it’s more about flavor layers that dance together rather than setting your mouth on fire. The sauce clings to every piece, wrapping sausages in a mix of tomato, chutney, and Worcestershire sauce. Paired with mashed potatoes, they deliver comfort with a fiery twist. And if you’re someone who loves experimenting, the same sauce base works wonderfully with chicken or even vegetables, much like I’ve done with variations such as my roasted tomato garlic soup.
Ingredients & Preparation Secrets
What goes into devilled sausages
The charm of devilled sausages lies in how a few pantry staples come together to create depth. At its core, you’ll find beef sausages, onion, apple, and a base of chopped tomatoes. These are joined by beef stock for richness and a blend of sauces—tomato, fruit chutney, and Worcestershire—that layer sweetness, tang, and umami. A spoonful of ground coriander and allspice brings warmth, while salt and pepper tie it all together.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the essentials:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Beef sausages | Hearty protein, main component |
| Onion | Sweetness and savory balance |
| Apple | Gentle fruity sweetness |
| Tomatoes & stock | Rich sauce base |
| Chutney & Worcestershire sauce | Sweetness, tang, umami depth |
| Spices (coriander, allspice) | Warmth and mild heat |
This combination creates the signature sauce: rich, tangy, slightly sweet, and layered with spice. Much like when you whip up a homemade keto teriyaki sauce, every spoonful is designed to coat the protein and make it irresistible.
Preparation tips for best results
Cooking devilled sausages in a slow cooker brings out their full potential. By letting the ingredients simmer together for hours, the sausages soak in the sauce while the apple softens into gentle sweetness. For best results, always brown the sausages first in a skillet if you have time—it adds a caramelized depth that’s worth the extra step.
Another trick? Add frozen peas right before serving for a burst of color and freshness. It’s a simple addition, but it brightens the dish and makes it feel complete. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking so the liquid can reduce naturally.
Pairing is just as important. While mashed potatoes are the traditional choice, these sausages also sit beautifully next to a crisp salad, like a keto chicken Caesar salad, offering balance to the richness. Together, you get comfort and freshness in one meal.
Cooking & Flavor Profile
How devilled sausages differ from curried sausages
It is easy to confuse devilled sausages with curried sausages because both feature sausages in a flavorful sauce. The key difference is in the spices and the type of heat they bring. Curried sausages rely on curry powder or paste, which creates a fragrant, earthy flavor that leans into Indian-inspired spices. Devilled sausages, on the other hand, highlight tomato, Worcestershire, and chutney with warm spices like coriander and allspice. The result is more about tang and sweetness balanced by gentle heat rather than the bold, aromatic spice of curry.
This distinction matters because it gives each dish a unique character. If curried sausages are warming and aromatic, devilled sausages are hearty, tangy, and just a little fiery. Both deserve a spot in your recipe collection, much like keeping both a comforting stew and a juicy cote de boeuf rib steak in your kitchen repertoire.
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Devilled Sausages Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Devilled sausages are a hearty comfort food classic with tender beef sausages simmered in a tangy tomato, apple, and chutney sauce. Perfect with creamy mashed potatoes for a complete family meal.
Ingredients
8–10 beef sausages
1 onion, sliced
1 apple, cored and cut in cubes
1 cup beef stock
1 x 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
¼ cup fruit chutney
2 Tablespoons tomato sauce
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons allspice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, stir together well and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. If desired, stir through 2 cups frozen peas 15 minutes before serving.
2. Serve with mashed potatoes.
Notes
For extra flavor, brown sausages in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker.
Thicken the sauce by removing the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: devilled sausages, sausage recipe, comfort food
What devilled sausages taste like
The taste of devilled sausages is layered and comforting. First, you get the savory richness of the beef sausage. Then comes the tang of tomatoes and Worcestershire, followed by the subtle sweetness of apple and chutney. The spices bring a background warmth without overwhelming the dish. It is the kind of meal that makes you want a second helping, especially when served over creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread that soaks up every bit of sauce.
What makes the flavor so memorable is the way all elements combine. The apple softens into the sauce, blending seamlessly with the tang of tomatoes. The chutney gives body and sweetness, while Worcestershire adds depth. Together, they create a balance that feels both rustic and refined. Much like tasting a slow-simmered tomato soup, each spoonful offers something new, whether it is sweet, savory, or lightly spiced.
Serving Devilled Sausages
How to serve devilled sausages
The best way to serve devilled sausages is over creamy mashed potatoes. The mash absorbs the tangy, spiced sauce and creates that comforting forkful we all crave. If potatoes are not your style, rice, couscous, or even buttered noodles make excellent partners. For a lighter option, serve the sausages with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables.
Portion sizes are generous, which makes this dish ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Leftovers taste even better the next day because the flavors continue to develop. If you are hosting, present the sausages in a large serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley for a splash of color. It is homestyle food that still looks inviting on the table.
FAQs About Devilled Sausages
What is in devilled sausage?
Devilled sausage is made with beef sausages, onion, apple, beef stock, tomatoes, fruit chutney, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices such as coriander and allspice.
Why are they called devilled sausages?
The term “devilled” traditionally refers to foods with a spicy or piquant flavor. In this recipe, the Worcestershire sauce, chutney, and spices create a tangy heat that gives the sausages their name.
What is the difference between devilled and curried sausages?
Devilled sausages focus on tangy tomato-based sauce with warm spices, while curried sausages rely on curry powder or paste for a deeper, aromatic spice profile.
What do devilled sausages taste like?
They are rich, savory, slightly sweet, and gently spiced. The sauce is thick and tangy, coating each sausage with balanced flavors that feel both hearty and satisfying.
Conclusion
Devilled sausages are the kind of recipe that proves comfort food does not have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients, you create a meal that is layered with flavor and perfect for sharing. They sit in that sweet spot between rustic and refined, offering nostalgia with every bite. Whether you are introducing them to your family for the first time or revisiting a childhood favorite, this dish will always deliver warmth, comfort, and a little kick. From my New York kitchen to yours, may it bring the same joy it has given me for years.
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