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Old-Fashioned Southern Tomato Gravy

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(Classic Southern Comfort Gravy Made with Fresh Tomatoes & Simple Ingredients)

Old-Fashioned Southern Tomato Gravy is a beloved comfort food recipe passed down through generations. Made with ripe tomatoes, bacon drippings or butter, onions, and simple seasonings, this rich and savory gravy is the perfect way to bring homemade Southern flavor to the table.

Traditionally served over warm biscuits, cornbread, rice, mashed potatoes, or country-style breakfast dishes, this recipe is simple, hearty, and full of nostalgic flavor.

Full Recipe (Ingredients + Instructions)

Ingredients

  • 6 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
    (or 2 cans of diced tomatoes, drained slightly)
  • 4 tablespoons bacon grease (or butter)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

If using fresh tomatoes:

  • Remove skins by blanching in boiling water for about 30 seconds.
  • Peel and chop.

Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Heat bacon grease or butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Add:

  • Onion

Cook for:

4–5 minutes

until softened.

Add garlic and cook:

30 seconds

until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the onions.

Stir constantly and cook for:

1–2 minutes

until lightly golden.

This helps thicken the gravy and removes the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes & Broth

Slowly add:

  • Tomatoes
  • Chicken broth

Stir until smooth.

Season with:

  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Smoked paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Sugar (if needed)
  • Cayenne (optional)

Step 5: Simmer

Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for:

20–30 minutes

until thick, rich, and flavorful.

Mash some tomatoes with the back of a spoon for a smoother gravy.

Step 6: Serve

Finish with fresh herbs if desired.

Serve warm over:

  • Homemade biscuits
  • Cornbread
  • Rice
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Fried chicken
  • Country ham

Extra Recipe Tips & Variations ✨

🥓 Bacon Tomato Gravy

Add:

  • Crispy bacon pieces
  • Extra bacon drippings

for a smoky Southern flavor.

🌶️ Spicy Tomato Gravy

Add:

  • Crushed red pepper
  • Hot sauce
  • Fresh jalapeños

for a little heat.

🍳 Breakfast Tomato Gravy

Serve over:

  • Biscuits
  • Fried eggs
  • Sausage patties

for a classic Southern breakfast.

🥩 Sausage Tomato Gravy

Brown:

  • ½ pound breakfast sausage

before making the gravy for a heartier version.

🧀 Creamy Tomato Gravy

Stir in:

  • ½ cup heavy cream

at the end for a richer sauce.

Flavor Upgrades / Secret Tips 🔥

✅ Bacon grease gives the most authentic old-fashioned flavor.

✅ Use garden-fresh summer tomatoes whenever possible.

✅ A small pinch of sugar balances tomato acidity.

✅ Let the gravy simmer slowly—the longer it cooks, the better the flavor.

✅ Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper savory flavor.

✅ Fresh cracked black pepper makes a big difference.

Serving Ideas 🍽️

Serve with:

🥐 Warm buttermilk biscuits
🌽 Cornbread
🍚 White rice
🥔 Mashed potatoes
🍗 Fried chicken
🥓 Country ham
🍳 Fried eggs

Perfect for:

  • Southern breakfasts
  • Sunday dinners
  • Family gatherings
  • Holiday brunches
  • Comfort food nights

Storage & Meal Prep Tips 🥡

Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for:

4–5 days

Freezer:

Freeze for:

up to 3 months

Allow to cool completely before freezing.

Reheating:

Warm gently on the stove.

Add a splash of broth if the gravy becomes too thick.

Meal Prep:

Make ahead—the flavors become even richer the next day.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Per serving:

  • Calories: 120–180 kcal
  • Protein: 3–5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15–20 g
  • Fat: 6–10 g

(Does not include biscuits, rice, or other toppings.)

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: What is Southern tomato gravy made from?
A: Traditionally it is made with tomatoes, flour, fat (usually bacon grease), onions, and seasonings.

Q: Is tomato gravy the same as pasta sauce?
A: No. Southern tomato gravy is thicker, savory, and usually served over breakfast foods and comfort dishes.

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes?
A: Yes. Good-quality canned tomatoes work very well.

Q: Why is my tomato gravy too acidic?
A: Add a small amount of sugar or a splash of cream to balance the acidity.

Q: Can I make it without bacon grease?
A: Yes. Butter or olive oil works perfectly.

Social Media Captions ❤️

Option 1 (Facebook Style)

“Made some Old-Fashioned Southern Tomato Gravy today 🍅❤️ A simple recipe filled with comforting flavors, just like the kind our grandparents made. Perfect over warm biscuits!”

Option 2 (Instagram Style)

“A taste of Southern comfort in every spoonful 🍅🥣 Old-fashioned tomato gravy never goes out of style!”

Option 3 (Short Viral Caption)

“Southern comfort served warm 🍅✨”

Option 4 (Homestyle Caption)

“Some recipes bring back memories ❤️ This homemade tomato gravy is simple, cozy, and made for gathering around the table.”

Final Food Description for Posting 🍴

Old-Fashioned Southern Tomato Gravy is a classic comfort food made with ripe tomatoes, onions, savory seasonings, and a rich homemade roux. Slow simmered until thick and flavorful, this Southern favorite is perfect served over warm biscuits, cornbread, rice, or mashed potatoes for a true taste of traditional homemade cooking. 🍅🥣✨

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