Ground Beef And Okra
A hearty Southern-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender okra, and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting meal that pairs well with rice and cornbread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the ground meat with TexJoy Steak seasoning and set aside.
- In a cast iron pot, add the seasoned ground meat and chopped onions.
- Brown the meat and onions over medium heat, then drain off excess grease.
- Add the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and frozen okra to the pot.
- Add enough water to cover the okra.
- Simmer over medium heat until the okra is tender.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over rice with a slice of cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using a can of spicy Rotel tomatoes or adding diced jalapeños. If you don't have TexJoy Steak seasoning, a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper can work as a substitute. Ensure not to overcook the okra to keep its texture intact. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, and check out vegan recipes for more ideas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish over fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful sauce, and consider adding a slice of cornbread on the side for a traditional touch. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing Mixed Greens Salad to balance the richness of the beef and okra. For drinks, Iced Decaf Tea complements the meal well, making it a satisfying dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Avoid reheating more than once for best quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef And Okra contains roughly 163 calories, with 14g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 845mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh okra instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh okra can be used in this recipe. Just wash, trim, and cut it into bite-sized pieces. You'll want to add it later in the cooking process to ensure it doesn't become mushy. Fresh okra typically cooks faster than frozen, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
What can I use instead of Rotel tomatoes?
If you don't have Rotel tomatoes, you can substitute with a can of diced tomatoes mixed with chopped green chilies. Alternatively, use plain diced tomatoes and add your preferred level of heat with diced jalapeños or hot sauce. This allows you to control the spiciness according to your taste.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, consider using lean ground meat, such as ground turkey or chicken. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Using low-sodium tomato sauce and seasoning can help reduce the sodium content without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).