Mama’s Tomato Gravy is an authentic, old-fashioned family recipe handed down through generations. It’s wonderfully simple and delicious when served over warm buttermilk biscuits for breakfast or any time of day.
This recipe was generously shared by Melissa Dommert, a passionate home cook who preserves family favorites. This tomato gravy is one of the oldest recipes in her collection.
Rooted in Cajun country traditions, the dish evokes mornings when folks are already gathered at the table with coffee by the time the rooster crows. Melissa’s mother, Patsy Paul, affectionately called “Mama,” made countless batches of biscuits and tomato gravy throughout her life. For Melissa, making this gravy brings comfort and memories of her mother’s kitchen and the meals that brought the family together.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Yield
2 – 4 Persons
What you need
Skillet or pan, whisk, and a spoon for stirring
Ingredients
4 tablespoons bacon or sausage grease
3 rounded tablespoons all-purpose flour
About 2 cups (470 ml) water, adjust as needed
½ small can tomato paste (about 3 oz / 100 g)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (use salt sparingly)
Hot buttermilk biscuits for serving
Instructions
1. Heat the bacon or sausage grease in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux.
2. Cook the roux, stirring constantly, until it browns and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
3. While whisking, gradually add the water to the browned roux until smooth.
4. Whisk in the tomato paste until fully incorporated. As the gravy thickens, reduce the heat to low and simmer briefly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more water until you reach the desired consistency.
Note: Some cooks substitute chopped fresh tomatoes, canned crushed tomatoes, or tomato sauce for the paste. Each variation produces a slightly different flavor and texture, so choose what suits your taste.
Serving Suggestions:
Ladle the tomato gravy over hot buttermilk biscuits and serve with bacon or sausage for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting meal any time of day. The gravy also pairs well with scrambled eggs or as a savory topping for biscuits and mashed potatoes.
Recipe Card
Mama’s Tomato Gravy
2 – 4 Persons
10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
Mama’s Tomato Gravy is an old family favorite, perfect poured over flaky buttermilk biscuits. Simple, comforting, and full of southern flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons bacon or sausage grease
- 3 rounded tablespoons flour
- 2 cups / 470 ml water approximately
- ½ small can tomato paste (about 3 oz / 100 g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, stir the flour into the grease over medium-high heat.
- Cook and brown the flour, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- When the roux is browned, slowly pour in the water while whisking to keep the sauce smooth.
- Whisk in the tomato paste until fully blended. When the gravy thickens, reduce heat to low.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a little more water if the gravy becomes too thick.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 159
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 493mg
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 8g
Nutrition information is approximate.