Hearty Ground Beef Okra Stew – Ready in 45 Minutes

Okra with Beef: A Hearty Middle Eastern Stew

(Hearty Ground Beef Okra Stew)

Imagine steaming, green okra mingling with tender chunks of beef, all bathed in a rich tomato‑garlic base that whispers of home‑cooked comfort. This classic Arabic recipe, popular across the Levant and Egypt, turns a humble vegetable into a flavor-packed main dish or a delightful side.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef, cut into bite‑size cubes
• 2 cups fresh okra, trimmed and sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and mashed
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp corn or vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Brown the beef cubes in 1 Tbsp oil over medium heat until nicely seared; season with salt and pepper.
2. Deglaze with a splash of broth, scraping up any browned bits.
3. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
4. Stir in tomato paste, mashed tomatoes, bay leaf, and remaining broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cover and let cook for 25 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
6. Heat the remaining oil in a pan; sauté garlic until fragrant.
7. Introduce the sliced okra to the pan along with the turkey broth to cover. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until the okra is tender but still bright green.
8. Combine the okra mixture with the beef stew; adjust seasoning.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh mint or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: ~350 | Protein: 22 g | Carbohydrates: 18 g | Fat: 16 g | Fiber: 5 g | Sodium: 480 mg