Southern Tomato Gravy Recipe From Scratch
Tomato gravy is one of those old-fashioned Southern recipes that uses simple ingredients and turns them into something incredibly comforting. This easy tomato gravy comes together from scratch and is delicious served over biscuits, eggs, rice, or mashed potatoes. Our favorite way to enjoy it is served over buttermilk biscuits, fresh from the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Gravy Recipe
- Simple, everyday ingredients
- Easy to make from scratch
- Rich, savory Southern flavor
- Delicious for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 heaping T. bacon grease, lard, or tallow
- 1/3 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 quart tomatoes (diced or crushed)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 t. salt
- 1/2 t. pepper
How to Make Tomato Gravy
1. Make the Roux
Add the bacon grease to a skillet and melt over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and blend until smooth. Cook and stir until the roux is light brown and smells nutty. You can use a whisk to blend it, but I’ve found that a flat wooden spoon works really well.
2. Add the Tomatoes
Slowly pour in the tomatoes, juice and all, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
3. Add the Chicken Stock
Pour in the chicken stock and stir well to combine.
4. Season and Simmer
Add the salt and pepper, then let the gravy simmer until thick and creamy.
5. Let it Thicken and Serve
Remember, the gravy will thicken more as it cools, so stop cooking while it is still a little thinner than you want. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve warm over fresh biscuits, eggs, rice, or mashed potatoes.
More From-Scratch Recipes
- Loaded Potato Soup From Scratch
- Cast Iron Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
- 3 Ways to Trellis Tomatoes to Fit Your Budget & Ability
I hope you’ll give this old-fashioned tomato gravy recipe a try. There’s something special about turning simple pantry ingredients into a comforting, homemade meal.
If you make it, I’d love to hear how you served your tomato gravy! Leave a comment below and let me know what you thought.
And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out more of our from-scratch recipes and simple homestead living here at Simpler Thymes Homestead.
Until next time, keep it simple, make it from scratch, and enjoy the little things.
— Marian
Simpler Thymes Homestead
Southern Tomato Gravy from Scratch
Ingredients
- 3 heaping tablespoon. bacon grease, lard, or tallow
- 1/3 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 quart tomatoes (diced or crushed)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 t. salt
- 1/2 t. pepper
Instructions
1. Make the Roux
Add the bacon grease to a skillet and melt over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and blend until smooth. Cook and stir until the roux is light brown and smells nutty. You can use a whisk to blend it, but I’ve found that a flat wooden spoon works really well.
2. Add the Tomatoes
Slowly pour in the tomatoes, juice and all, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
3. Add the Chicken Stock
Pour in the chicken stock and stir well to combine.
4. Season and Simmer
Add the salt and pepper, then let the gravy simmer until thick and creamy.
5. Let it Thicken and Serve
Remember, the gravy will thicken more as it cools, so stop cooking while it is still a little thinner than you want. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve warm over fresh biscuits, eggs, rice, or mashed potatoes.
