Ground Beef Okra Stew
A hearty Southern-inspired stew mixing tender okra, savory ground beef, and zesty tomatoes—perfect for a comforting family dinner with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh okra or 2 (10 oz. each) pkg. frozen, slightly thawed ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 c. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 c. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional) ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped canned tomatoes or 4 fresh tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. water or beef broth ⓘ
- 1/4 c. tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. each: allspice and black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper or 1/4 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat butter in a pot over medium heat until melted.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.
- Stir in ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon; cook until browned.
- Add chopped okra and sliced green pepper, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Pour in chopped canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and water or beef broth.
- Season with allspice, black pepper, red pepper or paprika, salt, and lemon juice.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with a bit of Worcestershire sauce. If fresh okra is unavailable, frozen works well but ensure it's slightly thawed before adding to the pot. You can also substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adding a pinch of cayenne can enhance the heat if you enjoy spicy dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A simple green salad or sautéed greens complements the dish well. This stew pairs beautifully with American recipes like cornbread or a light pasta salad for a complete dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in a covered bowl at medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef Okra Stew contains roughly 582 calories, with 17g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and iron (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2695mg per serving (117% 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 frozen okra in this recipe?
Yes, frozen okra is a great substitute! Just slightly thaw it before adding to the pot to ensure even cooking. It saves prep time and still provides the desired texture and flavor.
What can I serve with Ground Beef Okra Stew?
This stew is delicious on its own but can be enhanced by serving it with crusty bread or over rice. A side of cornbread or a light salad would make for a well-rounded meal.
How can I adjust the spice level of this stew?
To adjust the spice level, simply modify the amount of black pepper and red pepper or paprika. For a milder flavor, reduce these ingredients, or for a kick, add a pinch of cayenne or extra red pepper. Taste as you go for the best results.
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).