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New Orleans Red Gravy, or Creole Sauce as it is also known, is not your typical "gravy." Ready in less than 30 minutes, this sauce is packed with tomatoes, onions, and Creole spices, plus my own little secret touch!
I only learned about Red Gravy a couple years ago, but it has become one of my favorite new condiments. That's right, it can be used a a gravy, or sauce, or as a condiment.
You'll see once you try it. This Creole sauce has so much delicious flavor guys. I mean SO. MUCH. FLAVOR. It's great in fish, chicken, pork, with rice, potatoes, veggies or just dip some bread in it.
What is Red Gravy?
A staple of Louisiana cuisine, it is commonly served over spaghetti, but can be eaten with just about anything (like these crispy Cajun Wings). It is similar to tomato sauce in that the base is tomatoes, garlic and onions. However, it tends to be richer that regular marinara sauce, and my version has a little kick to it!
Why This Recipe Works
Chicken stock or bone broth adds a richness to the gravy.
Simmering the sauce in a skillet for 20 minutes helps all the flavors meld together.
The hot sauce and Creole seasoning add a perfect amount of heat without being overpowering.
The cream brings the gravy together and gives it a delicious richness.
The Ingredients
This is all super easy stuff you can get right at your local grocery store. That's the best part about this recipe.
Simple ingredients. Simple instructions, BIG flavor.
Diced canned tomatoes, green peppers, onions and chicken stock is the base of this dish. I like using chicken bone broth for its rich flavor.
Using homemade Cajun seasoning really helps the flavor become amazing in this recipe!
The traditional version of the gravy does not use cream, but I find the cream really adds a depth and richness to the sauce.
Use any kind of Louisiana hot sauce. I like the Red Rooster brand, but use whatever kind you like best.
The full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step By Step Instructions
Start by heating the butter in a large covered skillet with a lid over medium heat. Add the green pepper and onion and cook until soft.
Add the tomatoes and cook for one minute.
Then add all remaining ingredients except the cream. Bring to a simmer, cover and let cook for 20 minutes.
Add the cream and bring back to a simmer for 3-5 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat and serve.
Use this gravy with this Blackened Catfish recipe, it is AMAZING!!
Also great on these Baked Cajun Crawfish Egg Rolls and delicious served with this Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Quiche.
Expert Tips
If the gravy is too thick, add some additional chicken stock until it reaches the desired consistency.
Add additional salt to taste if necessary.
For a spicier gravy, add additional cayenne pepper to taste. Only add ¼ tsp. at a time as it can be quite hot.
For a richer flavor, use bone broth in place of the chicken stock.
Can You Make Red Gravy Ahead of Time?
Red gravy can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If gravy is too thick, add additional chicken stock until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can Red Gravy Be Frozen?
To freeze, place in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If gravy is too thick, add additional chicken stock until it reaches the desired consistency.
Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!
New Orleans Style Red Gravy (Creole Sauce)
Ingredients
- 1-15 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon Louisiana hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the green pepper and onion and cook until soft.
- Add the tomatoes and cook for one minute. Add all remaining ingredients except the cream. Bring to a simmer, cover and let cook for 20 minutes.
- Add the cream and bring back to a simmer. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat and serve .
Expert Tips:
- Any type of Louisiana hot sauce can be used. I use Red Rooster brand, but anything will work.
- If the gravy is too thick, add some additional chicken stock until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Add additional salt to taste if necessary.
- For a spicier gravy, add additional cayenne pepper to taste. Only add ¼ tsp. at a time as it can be quite hot.
- For a richer flavor, use bone broth in place of the chicken stock.
Nutrition
Pappa Jack
I have to admit, I was somewhat skeptical about adding the heavy cream. When it came time to add, I had sampled it and was completely satisfied as is but I took the leap of faith, in it went. WOW. It was magical and certainly on point. Great add.!!
Long before the internet, my cajun cooking mentor was Justin Wilson on PBS tv and his " holy trinity" of cajun cooking always included celery. In my opinion it's a must add.
You could put this on a shoe box top and it would make it great
Danielle
I'm so glad you liked it! I always struggle with celery as I hate it, but I do know it's a cornerstone of Cajun cooking! The cream isn't traditional, but I really think it adds some extra oomph!
Sara
I made this last night for my family! I put on top of some pan fried cat fish and shrimp and my kids ate every last bite. (Which is rare!) I cut my veggies just a bit smaller and I used fresh tomatoes rather than canned and... WOW! I am now obsessed with this gravy. Thank you for this recipe, the cream absolutely adds to the flavor and texture. I will be making this again.
Danielle
I'm so glad you liked it!!
Tom Lee
My mom and dad were from Leesville, long ago, but she would make this gravey and my dad would make beaytiful biskets. That was to go along with a big beef roast. When i made this gravy it was like going back in time.
Thank you for that. Very good on my raised biskets. Yaaaaaaaam yam.
Danielle
So glad you enjoyed it 🙂 I'll bet it was delicious on a beef roast!
Angela
This sounds sooo good. Getting ready to make it along with blackened catfish. Do you drain the tomatoes first? Thanks for sharing your recipe. Will come back and rate it after I make it.
Danielle
Nope, you don't need to drain the tomatoes. I hope you enjoy it! I'd love to hear how it turns out 🙂
ryvir
Used this recipe but also added smoked sausage with the tomatoes. I don't know if it's that I'm hungry or what but such a simple recipe and so delicious. My 1 year old loved it too.
Danielle
I love that you made it a meal! I'll bet it was awesome, I'll have to try that sometime!
Cajun
Ummm. Onion, bell pepper and?!?!........ "dem cajuns don't call it the holy trinity for nothin sherie"
Corina Blum
I hadn't heard of red gravy but it sounds wonderful and looks so tasty, especially looking at that fantastic list of ingredients! I think it's time I did some creole cooking!
Danielle
Totally! Thanks Corina!
Lucy Parissi
This sauce sounds fantastic - thanks for all your tips on how to make it to meet our own persinal preferences.
Danielle
You're welcome Lucy!
Kelly Anthony
YUM! We love creole food and plan on making this this weekend. Excited to put this on everything.
Danielle
It's SO GOOD on so many things Kelly! Hope you guys love it!!!
Lauren Vavala | DeliciousLittleBites
Oh this is just delicious! I need to pass this recipe along to my cousin who is obsessed with all the Creole food and just getting into cooking! Great recipe!
Danielle
Thanks Lauren! I hope your cousin loves it 🙂
Kate Hackworthy
This New Orleans gravy sounds amazing! All those awesome flavours. I bet it's delicious on so many dishes.
Danielle
Thanks Kate! I even like to eat it with a spoon 🙂
layla
I could eat this gravy on everything. So good!