Tomato Gravy is a comforting Southern classic that brings rich, tangy flavors to your table in just 25 minutes. This velvety sauce, made with ripe tomatoes, savory bacon drippings, and a hint of sweetness, is a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet. Its smooth texture clings beautifully to biscuits, grits, or fried chicken, making every bite a nostalgic delight.
Packed with vitamin-rich tomatoes and a touch of warmth from black pepper, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious. The aroma of simmering tomatoes and spices will fill your kitchen, promising a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether for breakfast or dinner, this gravy is a quick, flavorful way to bring a taste of the South to your home.
Ingredients for Traditional Southern Tomato Gravy
- 3 Tablespoons bacon drippings (or substitute with unsalted butter, vegetable oil, or sausage drippings)
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 ripe beefsteak tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- ½ teaspoon white granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh basil, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Tomato Gravy
- In a large skillet, heat the bacon drippings (or chosen fat) over medium heat until hot.
- Add the all-purpose flour to the skillet, stirring constantly. Cook the flour and fat mixture (roux) for about 2-3 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. This helps to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the undrained diced tomatoes and the chopped beefsteak tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Add the white granulated sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gravy should thicken, and the flavors should meld together.
- Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding additional salt, pepper, or sugar to achieve the desired flavor.
- Once the gravy has reached the desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Garnish with finely chopped fresh basil if desired.
- Serve the Tomato Gravy hot over biscuits, rice, or your favorite dish. Enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Tomato Gravy
Tomato Gravy is a versatile Southern classic that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it over flaky buttermilk biscuits for a comforting breakfast or brunch. For a heartier meal, spoon it over creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or grits. It also makes a delicious topping for fried chicken or pork chops. Don’t forget to add a side of collard greens or cornbread for a complete Southern feast!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftover Tomato Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the gravy to separate.
Recipe Variations to Try
Customize your Tomato Gravy to suit your taste! For a smoky twist, use smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use butter or olive oil instead of bacon drippings. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To save time, prep your ingredients ahead of time. Chop the beefsteak tomatoes and measure out the spices the night before. If you’re short on time, skip peeling and seeding the tomatoes—just chop them finely. You can also use canned crushed tomatoes instead of fresh beefsteak tomatoes for a quicker option. Keep a jar of pre-made roux on hand to skip the flour-cooking step entirely!
Common Questions Answered
Can I freeze Tomato Gravy? Yes! Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. What if my gravy is too thin? Simmer it a bit longer to reduce, or whisk in a slurry of 1 tablespoon flour and 2 tablespoons water. Can I use other fats? Absolutely! Butter, vegetable oil, or even sausage drippings work well in place of bacon drippings.
Tomato Gravy (Traditional Southern Recipe)
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons bacon drippings, or unsalted butter, vegetable oil, sausage drippings…
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 ripe beefsteak tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- ½ teaspoon white granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh basil, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the bacon drippings (or chosen fat) over medium heat until hot.
- Add the all-purpose flour to the skillet, stirring constantly. Cook the flour and fat mixture (roux) for about 2-3 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. This helps to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the undrained diced tomatoes and the chopped beefsteak tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Add the white granulated sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gravy should thicken and the flavors should meld together.
- Taste the gravy and modify the seasoning as needed, adding additional salt, pepper, or sugar to achieve the desired flavor.
- Once the gravy has reached the desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Garnish with finely chopped fresh basil if desired.
- Serve the Tomato Gravy hot over biscuits, rice, or your favorite dish. Enjoy!