When I was growing up, there was nothing that felt more like a warm hug than a plate of biscuits smothered in tomato gravy. This isn’t your average pasta sauce, it’s rich, savory, a little tangy, and has that cozy “made from scratch” flavor that only comes from home cooking. My Tomato Gravy Recipe is a nod to those Southern kitchens where the skillet stayed warm all morning and every meal was a little celebration.
It’s the kind of recipe that fits everywhere in life, drizzled over fluffy biscuits for breakfast, spooned onto rice for a quick dinner, or poured over meatloaf for Sunday supper. The flavor is hearty yet bright, making it a staple you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for those “need something fast but satisfying” days.
Table of contents
- Why You’ll Make This Tomato Gravy Again and Again
- Quick Prep Steps for Stress-Free Cooking
- tomato Gravy Recipe Card
- Tips and Tricks For The Best Tomato Gravy Recipe
- From Classic to Creative: Tomato Gravy Ideas
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Comfort in a Skillet
Why You’ll Make This Tomato Gravy Again and Again
Why this tomato gravy belongs in your recipe collection
- Versatile: works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
- Simple ingredients: you likely have most of them in your pantry
- Quick to make: about 20 minutes start to finish
- Customizable: adjust spice, sweetness, or texture to your liking
- Comfort food approved: hearty yet light enough for everyday meals
Dietary tweaks you can try
- Gluten-free: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour for thickening
- Vegan: Swap butter for plant-based margarine or oil
- Low-sodium: Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt at the end
Quick Prep Steps for Stress-Free Cooking
If you want your Tomato Gravy Recipe to come together smoothly, it’s worth taking a few minutes to prep before turning on the stove. A little organization means your gravy will be ready in no time, without any “oops, forgot that” moments.
Here’s what I suggest having ready before you start cooking
- Chop your onions and garlic so they’re ready to sauté as soon as the skillet heats
- Measure out your flour (or cornstarch if gluten-free) for quick thickening
- Open and drain canned tomatoes if using, or dice fresh ones ahead of time
- Warm your broth slightly so it blends smoothly into the roux
- Measure out your seasonings: paprika, black pepper, salt, sugar, or any herbs you love
tomato Gravy Recipe Card
Tomato Gravy Recipe
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes150
kcalRich, savory, and a little tangy, this tomato gravy is perfect over biscuits, rice, or even pasta. Made from scratch in about 20 minutes, it’s a comforting classic that will become a staple in your kitchen.
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Ingredients
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy finish)
Directions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Cook for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Gradually add chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld.
- For a creamier version, stir in heavy cream during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm over biscuits, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use canned crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture; diced tomatoes may create a chunkier gravy.
- Adjust sugar based on the acidity of your tomatoes.
- For added richness, use half-and-half or heavy cream.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 2g
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Tips and Tricks For The Best Tomato Gravy Recipe
- Cook the flour long enough: letting the roux cook for 1 to 2 minutes removes the raw taste and adds a subtle nuttiness
- Use low to medium heat when simmering the tomatoes to prevent burning and bitterness
- Taste and adjust at the end: tomatoes can vary in acidity, so a pinch of sugar or extra salt can balance the flavors perfectly
- Blend for smoothness if you prefer a silky consistency
- Fresh herbs at the end preserve brightness and fragrance
From Classic to Creative: Tomato Gravy Ideas
If you love experimenting with flavors, here are a few variations that keep this recipe fresh and exciting:
- Creamy Tomato Gravy: stir in 0.25 cup of cream or milk at the end for a rich, velvety texture
- Spicy Tomato Gravy: add 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a kick
- Herb-Infused Gravy: add 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme during simmering for a Mediterranean twist
- Vegetable-Enriched Gravy: blend in roasted red peppers or carrots for added sweetness and nutrition
- Meaty Tomato Gravy: sauté small pieces of cooked bacon or sausage before adding the roux for a hearty version
What Can You Serve with Tomato Gravy?
- Biscuits: A Southern classic pairing.
- Mashed Potatoes: Adds creaminess and heartiness to your plate.
- Rice: A perfect base for soaking up all the gravy goodness.
- Fried Chicken: A flavorful topping for crispy chicken.
- Vegetables: Serve over roasted or steamed vegetables for a lighter option.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s how to keep your tomato gravy tasting fresh:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months
- Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much
- Do not overheat: high heat can break the sauce and make it watery
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the roux: This step is essential for a smooth, thick gravy.
- Not simmering long enough: Simmering enhances the flavors; don’t rush it.
- Over-seasoning too early: Taste before adjusting seasoning, as flavors concentrate while cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but you’ll need to peel and puree them for a smooth texture.
It can be! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for heat.
Cornstarch is a great gluten-free alternative. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the simmering gravy.
Comfort in a Skillet
There you have it, a simple, flavorful, and versatile Tomato Gravy Recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you’re spooning it over warm biscuits, drizzling it on rice, or experimenting with pasta, this gravy will quickly become a kitchen favorite.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Homemade Tomato Jam Recipe or Chili Garlic Sauce Recipe. Keep this tomato gravy on hand, and you’ll always have a comforting, flavorful dish ready in minutes.
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