Ground Beef Gumbo
A hearty, flavorful gumbo packed with ground beef, vegetables, and savory seasonings, perfect for comforting dinners and suitable for those who enjoy rich, spicy Southern-style dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped green pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste
- 1 (6 oz.) jar sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 3 cups frozen okra (cut) ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 tablespoons parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, chopped onion, celery, green pepper, and minced garlic in a heavy Dutch oven until the meat is browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sliced mushrooms, frozen okra, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, parsley flakes, dried basil, oregano, chili powder, onion powder, cumin, water, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaves and serve the gumbo over hot rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your gumbo, consider using homemade stock instead of water. If you want a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and ensure your vegetable broth is flavorful. Frozen okra can be replaced with fresh if available, though it may need a longer cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over a bed of hot rice for a hearty meal. It pairs well with crusty French bread or cornbread for dipping. A side salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish. For drinks, consider iced tea or a light beer to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the gumbo for up to three months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef Gumbo contains roughly 681 calories, with 24g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (252% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 743mg per serving (32% 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 different types of meat in this gumbo?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
How can I thicken the gumbo if it's too watery?
If your gumbo turns out too watery, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the gumbo until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Is gumbo traditionally served spicy?
Gumbo can be made spicy or mild, depending on your preference. If you enjoy spice, consider adding cayenne pepper or more chili powder to the recipe. Remember, you can always start with less and adjust according to your taste to achieve your desired heat level.
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).