Spiced Beef and Okra Stew with Tomato and Smoked Paprika
A hearty stew combining tender beef chunks with fresh okra and smoky paprika, inspired by southern regional flavors and slow-cooked to richness. This american-inspired beef ready in about 105 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium (about 1 cup) yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 can, 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (canned)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup fresh okra, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 1 lb beef chuck cubes with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 cup diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp smoked paprika, stirring for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 5: Pour in 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices and 2 cups beef broth, scraping bottom of pot to deglaze.
- Step 6: Return beef to pot, add 2 sprigs fresh thyme, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1 hour until beef is tender.
- Step 7: Stir in 1 cup sliced fresh okra and cook uncovered for 15 minutes until okra is tender and stew thickens slightly.
- Step 8: Remove thyme sprigs, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over stew, and serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Beef and Okra Stew with Tomato and Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 105 minutes (15 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spiced Beef and Okra Stew with Tomato and Smoked Paprika?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep kosher salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Beef and Okra Stew with Tomato and Smoked Paprika?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Beef and Okra Stew with Tomato and Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spiced Beef and Okra Stew with Tomato and Smoked Paprika?
American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
