Southern cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, comforting dishes, and the ability to bring family and friends together around the dinner table. One of the signature elements of Southern food is gravy—a luscious, savory sauce that adds depth and warmth to almost any dish. Whether it’s creamy and smooth, tangy and flavorful, or rich and hearty, gravy is an essential component in many beloved Southern meals. From biscuits and gravy to smothered chicken, these 18 Southern dishes covered in gravy carry with them generations of tradition, making them more than just a meal—they’re an experience. So, sit back, relax, and take a trip down South with these iconic comfort foods that celebrate both the history and flavors of the region.
1. Biscuits and Gravy
A true Southern breakfast classic, biscuits and gravy features freshly baked, flaky biscuits smothered in a rich sausage gravy made from crumbled sausage, milk, and a few key seasonings. It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors, ideal for starting the day on a satisfying note. Get the recipe: Biscuits and Gravy
2. Chicken-Fried Steak with Gravy
This beloved dish takes tenderized beef steak, coats it in seasoned flour, and fries it until golden and crispy. It’s then smothered in a creamy, peppery gravy that adds a comforting richness. Chicken-fried steak with gravy is the epitome of Southern comfort food, often served with mashed potatoes and greens. Get the recipe: Chicken-Fried Steak with Gravy
3. Smothered Chicken
Smothered chicken is a Southern favorite where chicken pieces are first browned and then simmered in a savory gravy made from onions, garlic, and spices. The gravy absorbs the flavors of the chicken, creating a tender and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with rice or mashed potatoes. Get the recipe: Smothered Chicken
4. Shrimp and Grits with Gravy
Shrimp and grits is a dish that showcases the flavors of the South. Shrimp, sautéed with garlic and seasonings, is served over a bed of creamy grits and covered in a flavorful gravy made from shrimp stock, butter, and spices. It’s a perfect balance of rich, savory, and smooth. Get the recipe: Shrimp and Grits with Gravy
5. Country-Style Ribs with Gravy
These tender country-style ribs are slow-cooked until they’re fall-apart tender, then topped with a delicious brown gravy made from the pan drippings. Served with mashed potatoes or cornbread, this dish is a hearty, satisfying meal. Get the recipe: Country-Style Ribs with Gravy
6. Beef Stew with Gravy
A hearty beef stew made from tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions, all simmered in a savory, rich gravy. This dish is perfect for a chilly evening and offers a deep, comforting flavor that makes you feel right at home. Get the recipe: Beef Stew with Gravy
7. Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Casserole
This biscuits and sausage gravy casserole is a twist on the classic. Layering biscuit pieces, sausage gravy, and cheese into a casserole dish, this dish is baked to perfection, making it an easy yet decadent breakfast or brunch option. Get the recipe: Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Casserole
8. Pork Chops with Onion Gravy
Pork chops with onion gravy features bone-in pork chops seared to perfection and then simmered in a rich, caramelized onion gravy. The sauce is thickened with flour and flavored with herbs and seasonings, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s often served over mashed potatoes or rice. Get the recipe: Pork Chops with Onion Gravy
9. Meatloaf with Gravy
This classic comfort food, meatloaf with gravy, is a staple in Southern kitchens. The meatloaf itself is tender and flavorful, often made with a blend of beef and pork, and topped with a savory brown gravy. This dish is perfect for serving to family and guests alike. Get the recipe: Meatloaf with Gravy
10. Fried Chicken with Gravy
Southern-style fried chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and when topped with a rich gravy made from the pan drippings, it’s elevated to a whole new level. Served with mashed potatoes, this dish is the epitome of Southern comfort food. Get the recipe: Fried Chicken with Gravy
11. Collard Greens with Gravy
Collard greens are a Southern staple, often slow-cooked to tender perfection. Adding a gravy made from bacon drippings or a light vegetable broth with a bit of vinegar brings out the flavors of the greens, turning them into a flavorful and hearty side dish. Get the recipe: Collard Greens with Gravy
12. Sausage Gravy and Biscuits Breakfast Casserole
A deliciously rich sausage gravy and biscuits breakfast casserole combines crumbled sausage, biscuits, and a creamy gravy that’s baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd at brunch or as an indulgent breakfast. Get the recipe: Sausage Gravy and Biscuits Breakfast Casserole
13. Smothered Pork Chops
These smothered pork chops are browned and then simmered in a savory gravy made with onions, garlic, and seasonings. The result is tender, juicy pork chops covered in a luscious, comforting sauce that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice. Get the recipe: Smothered Pork Chops
14. Southern Meatballs with Gravy
A Southern twist on the traditional meatball, Southern meatballs with gravy are made with ground beef or pork, seasoned perfectly, and then smothered in a savory brown gravy. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for pairing with rice or pasta. Get the recipe: Southern Meatballs with Gravy
15. Chicken and Dumplings with Gravy
In this classic chicken and dumplings dish, tender chicken is simmered in a flavorful broth, and homemade dumplings are added for a comforting, hearty meal. The rich, creamy gravy envelops the chicken and dumplings, making this a Southern favorite. Get the recipe: Chicken and Dumplings with Gravy
16. Southern Baked Chicken with Gravy
This baked chicken with gravy is made by seasoning chicken pieces and baking them until crispy and golden brown. It’s then topped with a rich, flavorful gravy made from the pan drippings, creating a savory and comforting dish. Get the recipe: Southern Baked Chicken with Gravy
17. Gravy Smothered Steak
Gravy-smothered steak is a hearty dish where a thick, tender steak is cooked to perfection and served with mashed potatoes, all smothered in a savory gravy made from the meat’s drippings. It’s a meal that’ll fill you up and keep you satisfied. Get the recipe: Gravy Smothered SteakÂ
18. Southern Gravy-Topped Meatloaf
Southern gravy-topped meatloaf combines the rich flavors of ground beef and seasonings with a tangy, flavorful gravy topping. The savory gravy enhances the meatloaf, making it even more delicious and filling. Get the recipe: Southern Gravy-Topped Meatloaf
Southern dishes have a unique way of combining history, tradition, and comfort into each bite. Gravy plays an integral role in many of these beloved dishes, elevating their flavors and adding that signature Southern richness. Whether you’re indulging in biscuits and gravy for breakfast or enjoying a plate of smothered chicken for dinner, these dishes offer something for every occasion. Warm, flavorful, and deeply rooted in Southern tradition, these meals are the epitome of comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just enjoying a quiet night at home, these 18 Southern dishes covered in gravy will surely make any meal feel like a celebration.
