Tomato Gravy Recipe

A tomato gravy recipe is a rich, flavorful, and versatile addition to any meal, perfect for classic Southern-style biscuits, pasta, or meats. Made with simple pantry ingredients like tomatoes, butter, flour, and seasonings, this homemade tomato gravy is both hearty and easy to prepare. Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast or a savory dinner sauce, this easy tomato gravy recipe is a must-try.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the best tomato gravy, including essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, expert tips, flavorful variations, and serving ideas to elevate your meals.

Ingredients for Tomato Gravy Recipe

To make a delicious and authentic tomato gravy, you will need simple pantry ingredients that come together to create a flavorful sauce. Below is a list of essential ingredients, along with optional additions to customize the gravy to your taste.

Basic Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter or bacon grease – Adds richness and enhances flavor.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth – Provides depth and enhances the overall taste.
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes or 3 fresh tomatoes (chopped) – The star ingredient, giving the gravy its signature flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild heat and depth.
• ½ teaspoon sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic (minced) – Boosts the savory taste.

Optional Ingredients for Variations:

• ½ teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper – Adds a smoky or spicy kick.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder or ½ small onion (finely chopped) – Enhances flavor.
• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk – For a creamy, Southern-style tomato gravy.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami depth.
• ½ teaspoon dried basil or oregano – For an Italian twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Tomato Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Roux

• In a medium-sized skillet, melt the butter (or bacon grease) over medium heat.
• Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown. This step helps remove the raw flour taste and thickens the gravy.

Step2: Add the Tomatoes

• Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and mix well with the roux.
• Allow the mixture to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to develop.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Seasonings

• Slowly add the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
• Season with salt, black pepper, sugar, and garlic powder. If using fresh onions or garlic, sauté them before adding the flour in Step 1.

Step4: Simmer Until Thickened

• Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• The gravy will gradually thicken to a smooth, rich consistency.

Step 5: Adjust and Serve

• Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning as needed. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend it using an immersion blender.
• For a creamy tomato gravy, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or milk at the end of cooking.
• Serve hot over biscuits, rice, grits, or fried meats.

Secret Tips for the Best Homemade Tomato Gravy Recipe

Making the perfect tomato gravy requires attention to detail. Follow these expert tips to ensure a rich, smooth, and flavorful sauce every time.

1. Balance the Acidity

Tomatoes can be naturally acidic, which may result in a tangy or slightly sour gravy. To balance the acidity:

• Add ½ teaspoon of sugar to cut the sharpness.
• If needed, stir in a pinch of baking soda to neutralize excess acidity.
• Use ripe fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a sweeter, milder flavor.

2. Achieve the Right Thickness

If the gravy is too thick, gradually add a bit more broth or water until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer or stir in a slurry of 1 teaspoon flour mixed with 2 tablespoons water.

3. Enhance the Flavor

• Use bacon grease instead of butter for a deeper, smoky taste.
• Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce gives the gravy a bold kick.
• Let the gravy sit for a few minutes after cooking—this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

4. Customize the Texture

• For a chunky gravy, leave the tomatoes as they are.
• If you prefer a smooth consistency, use an immersion blender or mash the tomatoes with a fork.

5. Don’t Skip the Simmering

Letting the gravy simmer for at least 10 minutes helps develop its rich, deep flavor. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes.

Variations of Tomato Gravy Recipe

Tomato gravy is a versatile dish with different variations based on regional and personal preferences. Here are some popular ways to customize the recipe:

1. Southern-Style Tomato Gravy

• Made with bacon grease instead of butter.
• Often served over fluffy buttermilk biscuits or grits.
• Sometimes thickened with a touch of heavy cream for extra richness.

2. Italian-Inspired Tomato Gravy

• Uses olive oil instead of butter.
• Includes basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes for an Italian touch.
• Best served over pasta or polenta.

3. Spicy Cajun Tomato Gravy

• Seasoned with Cajun or Creole spices like paprika, cayenne, and thyme.
• Often paired with grilled shrimp, sausage, or cornbread.

4. Indian-Style Tomato Gravy

• Made with ghee, cumin, coriander, and turmeric for a spiced flavor.
• Used as a base for vegetarian curries or chicken masala.

How to Serve Tomato Gravy

Tomato gravy is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

1. Classic Southern Style

• Poured over warm biscuits for a comforting breakfast.
• Served with grits or cornbread for a traditional Southern meal.
• Drizzled over fried chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf.

2. With Pasta or Rice

• Served over spaghetti, penne, or angel hair pasta for a quick meal.
• Mixed with cooked rice for a simple yet hearty side dish.

3. As a Side or Topping

• Used as a sauce for mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
• Spooned over omelets or scrambled eggs for a flavorful breakfast.
• Served as a dip with crusty bread or garlic toast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Tomato Gravy Recipe

Even though tomato gravy is a simple dish, a few mistakes can affect its texture, flavor, and overall quality. Here are some of the most common errors and how to prevent them.

1. Skipping the Roux Step

A roux (a mixture of flour and fat) is crucial for thickening the gravy and giving it a smooth texture. If you don’t cook the flour properly:

• The gravy may taste raw or floury.
• It might end up too thin or lumpy.
  Fix: Cook the flour in butter or bacon grease for 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden color before adding liquids.

2. Using the Wrong Tomatoes

The type of tomatoes used can impact the taste and consistency.

• Overly acidic tomatoes can make the gravy too tangy.
• Watery tomatoes may prevent the gravy from thickening properly.
  Fix: Use ripe fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes with low acidity. If needed, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.

3. Not Simmering Long Enough

Tomato gravy needs time to develop its depth of flavor. Rushing the cooking process can result in a bland or watery gravy.
Fix: Let the gravy simmer for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken and allow the flavors to meld.

4. Over-Thickening or Under-Thickening

Getting the right consistency is key.

• If it’s too thick, it may feel pasty.
• If it’s too thin, it won’t coat your food properly.
  Fix: Adjust with more broth if too thick, or let it simmer longer if too thin. You can also add a small amount of flour mixed with water to fix thin gravy.

5. Not Seasoning Properly

Underseasoned gravy can taste dull, while overseasoned gravy can be overpowering.
Fix: Start with a little salt and pepper, then taste and adjust gradually. Adding a touch of garlic, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce can enhance the depth of flavor.

6. Stirring Too Little or Too Much

• Not stirring enough can cause the flour to clump and the gravy to burn.
• Over-stirring can make the texture too smooth, losing the rustic, home-cooked feel.
  Fix: Stir gently and consistently while the gravy simmers, but don’t overdo it.

7. Storing and Reheating Improperly

Improper storage can make the gravy taste stale or cause it to separate when reheated.
Fix: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed.

Conclusion

This tomato gravy recipe is a comforting and versatile dish that can elevate any meal, from classic Southern biscuits to hearty pasta and meat dishes. Made with simple ingredients like tomatoes, butter, flour, and seasonings, this homemade tomato gravy delivers a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of foods.

By using the right techniques—cooking a proper roux, balancing acidity, and allowing the flavors to develop—you can create a smooth and flavorful tomato gravy every time. Whether you prefer a traditional Southern-style version, a spicy Cajun twist, or an Italian-inspired variation, this easy tomato gravy recipe can be customized to suit your taste.

Now that you have a step-by-step guide, expert tips, and serving ideas, it’s time to make your own tomato gravy at home. Serve it over biscuits, meats, rice, or any dish that could use a rich, tomato-based sauce. Enjoy!

Recipe Articles You Might Like

For those who love a hearty and comforting meal, tomato gravy pairs beautifully with various Southern classics. Try serving it alongside this flavorful Cabbage and Sausage Recipe for a well-rounded, savory dish. If you’re looking to explore different flavor profiles, consider an Easy Fajita Marinade to spice up your meals with a zesty kick. For a gluten-free twist that still delivers on taste, try our Gluten-Free Egg Noodles Recipe, which pairs wonderfully with the rich, savory flavor of tomato gravy.

And for a fun, indulgent twist, swap your biscuits for a Supreme Pizza and use tomato gravy as a rich, unexpected topping that brings a bold depth of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is tomato gravy made of?

Tomato gravy is made from tomatoes, butter (or bacon grease), flour, broth, and seasonings. The flour and fat create a roux, which thickens the gravy, while the broth enhances its depth of flavor. Some variations include sugar, garlic, onion, or cream to adjust the taste and texture.

What’s the difference between tomato sauce and tomato gravy?

Tomato sauce is typically a smooth, thin, and pureed mixture used for pasta and pizza, while tomato gravy is thicker, creamier, and roux-based. Tomato gravy is often served over biscuits, meats, or rice, making it a staple in Southern cuisine.

Is tomato gravy the same as red-eye gravy?

No, tomato gravy and red-eye gravy are different. Red-eye gravy is a thin, coffee-based sauce made with ham drippings and black coffee, while tomato gravy is a thicker, tomato-based sauce with a rich, savory flavor.

What is the secret ingredient for good gravy?

The key to great tomato gravy is balancing acidity and richness. Using bacon grease, a touch of sugar, and slow simmering brings out the best flavor. Some cooks add Worcestershire sauce or heavy cream for extra depth and smoothness.