Pin
There is nothing quite like digging into a warm, bubbling beef sausage, gravy, and biscuit pie on a chilly evening. This recipe layers fluffy biscuits with a hearty sausage gravy that gets rich flavor from sage and black pepper. It is easy enough for busy weeknights but still tastes like a cozy weekend treat for the family.
I first pulled out this recipe after a long day when I needed something both quick and special. Now whenever my relatives come over someone always asks if I will make it again.
Ingredients
- Beef sausage: for deep meaty flavor mild or spicy works well so pick your favorite
- Milk: gives the gravy its velvety smoothness whole milk is best but two percent also works
- All-purpose flour: thickens the sauce for a classic southern-style gravy
- Biscuits: form the buttery top and base homemade or your favorite store-bought brand are both great
- Salt: ensures all flavors pop use kosher salt for the most even seasoning
- Black pepper: brings just enough warmth and bite freshly cracked makes a difference
- Ground sage: adds a woodsy earthiness essential for true southern sausage gravy
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): for those who like a little heat
- When choosing sausage: look for one with a nice balance of fat to lean so your gravy stays rich but not greasy
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- Cook the beef sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break the meat up into small crumbles as it cooks and make sure it browns deeply for maximum flavor. This should take about eight minutes.
- Make the Gravy Base:
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the browned sausage and stir it in so each piece is coated. Cook this mixture for two minutes to remove the raw flour taste and give your gravy more color.
- Add Milk and Simmer:
- Pour the milk in a slow steady stream while stirring constantly. Raise the heat to medium-high and let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Then lower the heat a bit and simmer until your gravy thickens into a creamy sauce about five minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking. Add in the salt black pepper and sage and taste for seasoning.
- Prepare Oven and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the biscuits in an even single layer in a nine by thirteen inch baking dish. If using homemade biscuits space them just slightly apart for even baking.
- Layer and Finish:
- Pour the thickened sausage gravy all over the biscuits making sure each gets coated. Bake uncovered for twenty five to thirty minutes until everything is bubbling and the biscuits are golden brown on top. Let it cool a couple of minutes before serving so it is easier to portion.
Pin
Ground sage is my secret ingredient. I love how it turns a simple gravy into something that smells like holidays at my grandma’s house. We used to gather and pass around plates piled high with extra sage gravy on the side.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat use the oven or microwave. If the gravy thickens too much just stir in a splash of milk.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap beef sausage for pork or even turkey sausage for a lighter touch. If you are dairy free try unsweetened oat or cashew milk in the gravy and use vegan biscuits to make it fully plant based. For more herbs thyme can be swapped for sage in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
This pie shines alongside a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal. For brunch serve with scrambled eggs or fresh fruit. A bit of hot sauce or extra black pepper wakes everything up even more.
Pin
Family and Tradition
This dish is a spinoff of classic southern biscuits and gravy but baked into a hearty casserole. Growing up my mom would make it on Sundays and the aroma would always bring everyone into the kitchen. It is the kind of meal that feels like a hug from home.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → How do I prevent the gravy from becoming too thin?
Ensure you cook the flour with the sausage well before adding milk to help it absorb moisture and thicken. Simmering the mixture until it reduces will also improve thickness.
- → Can I use homemade biscuits for this dish?
Absolutely, fresh homemade biscuits enhance the texture and flavor, but store-bought biscuits work well for a faster preparation.
- → What spices complement the beef sausage in this dish?
Ground sage, black pepper, and salt bring out the savory notes, while crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle kick if desired.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can brown the sausage and make the gravy in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving to keep biscuits fresh and tender.
- → How can I make the biscuits crispy on top?
Baking until golden brown and optionally broiling the top for a minute or two will give the biscuits a delightful crispness.