Speckled Butter Bean & Okra Stew

There's something about a hearty stew that just speaks to the soul, don’t you think? This Speckled Butter Bean & Okra Stew is a perfect example of comfort food done right. Packed with smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and a medley of veggies, it’s a dish that warms you from the inside out.

Plus, it’s super simple to whip up, making it ideal for those busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when you want something delicious without too much fuss.

I’ve been making this stew for years, and every time I do, it brings back memories of cozy family gatherings and friends coming together over a big bowl of something warm and satisfying. The combination of flavors here is just magic – the smoky sausage and bacon pair perfectly with the tender butter beans and okra. Trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds before you know it!

Now, let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

First off, this stew is packed with flavor. The smoked sausage and bacon add a savory depth that’s hard to resist, while the Cajun seasoning kicks things up a notch. You’ll get that warm, spicy hug-in-a-bowl feeling that makes you want to curl up on the couch and savor every bite.

Another great thing about this dish is its versatility. You can serve it over rice for a filling meal or enjoy it on its own for a lighter option. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies – okra and onions add great texture and nutrition without being overwhelming.

And the best part? It’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding the family or having friends over, this stew is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients & Tools You'll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients. You’ll need some basics like smoked sausage and bacon, which are key players in this dish. I like to use about half a pound of the sausage – it gives that smoky flavor without overpowering the stew.

And don’t skimp on the bacon; it adds a delightful crunch and richness that you just can’t beat.

You’ll also need some fresh veggies. A small yellow onion and half a green bell pepper add sweetness and crunch, while garlic brings that fragrant kick. The frozen speckled butter beans and okra are the stars of the show, bringing creaminess and a touch of earthiness to the mix.

Oh, and let’s not forget the vegetable broth to tie it all together. You might want to grab a good-sized crockpot too, as this stew cooks low and slow, allowing all those flavors to meld beautifully.

How To Make It

Now, let’s get into how to make this incredible stew. It’s a two-part process: preparation and cooking. Don’t worry – it’s pretty easy, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro by the time you’re done.

Preparation

First things first, let’s get everything ready. Start by chopping your bacon and coin the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Dice that onion and bell pepper, and chop up the garlic, too.

Having everything prepped will make the cooking process a breeze. I like to have everything in separate bowls, so it’s easy to toss them in when the time comes.

Once you’ve got your ingredients prepped, it’s time to heat things up. Grab a skillet and pour in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. You want that skillet nice and hot before adding the bacon and sausage, so they can crisp up beautifully.

It’s all about layering those flavors from the get-go!

Cooking

With your ingredients prepped, let’s get this stew cooking. Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat, then toss in the bacon and sausage. Cook them until they’re browned and fully cooked.

You’ll know it’s time to remove them from the skillet when your kitchen starts smelling heavenly. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist stealing a little bite.

After you’ve set the meat aside, leave that delicious grease in the pan – this is where the flavor comes from! Throw in your diced onion and bell pepper and sauté them until they’re softened, which should take about 5 minutes. In the last minute or so, add the garlic.

When that garlic hits the heat, you'll know it’s time to move on.

Now, transfer everything – the sausage, bacon, and sautéed veggies – to your crockpot. Add in the vegetable broth, speckled butter beans, okra, Cajun seasoning, and all-purpose seasoning. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.

Cover it up and let it cook on low for about 5 hours. You’ll want to check it occasionally to make sure everything is melding together nicely.

Serving & Variations

When it’s finally time to eat, you can serve this stew over a bed of fluffy rice or just enjoy it straight from the bowl. I love pairing it with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all that delicious broth. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can toss in some additional veggies or even switch up the meats.

Chicken or turkey would work great if you’re looking for something lighter.

And if you happen to have leftovers, you're in for a treat! This stew tastes even better the next day as all those flavors deepen. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should be good for a few days.

You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, but make sure to add a splash of broth if it thickens up too much.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it, my friends! A hearty, flavorful Speckled Butter Bean & Okra Stew that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor – what’s not to love?

I can’t wait for you to try this one; it really is a bowl of comfort.

Recipe created by Cookin’ with Babe for Trust Me Try It.

Speckled Butter Bean & Okra Stew

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours hours

Total Time: 5 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1/2lb. smoked sausage (coined)
• 6-8 strips bacon (chopped)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 1/2 green bell pepper (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1 tbsp. Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp. all-purpose seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic)
• 28oz. Frozen speckled butter beans
• 2 – 12oz bags frozen okra
• 2-3 tbsps. olive oil

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the bacon and sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked.
• Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside, leaving the grease in the pan for added flavor.
• Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened.
• During the last couple of minutes of cooking, add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Transfer the cooked sausage, bacon, and vegetables to a crockpot.
• Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
• Cover and cook on low for about 5 hours, or until everything is heated through and flavors have blended.
• Serve over rice, or enjoy on its own.