Name: Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 3 slices thick-cut bacon, diced; 1 small Vidalia onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, NOT drained (see note below to use fresh tomatoes instead); 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme); 1 dried bay leaf; ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 cups fresh or frozen okra, stems trimmed and cut into ½ -inch pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that bursts with Southern charm, you’ve got to try my Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Herbs Recipe. This recipe is a winner every time I make it—I mean, the combination of tender okra, rich tomatoes, smoky bacon, and fresh herbs is downright irresistible! Whether you’re serving it as a side or a light main, this stewed veggie dish brings that perfect balance of flavors and textures that keeps my family coming back for more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients, big flavor: You only need pantry staples like bacon, tomatoes, and herbs to create something truly delicious.
Perfect Southern comfort food: This recipe has roots in classic Southern cooking, bringing those cozy flavors straight to your table.
Adaptable and forgiving: Whether fresh or frozen okra, this dish comes out great every time.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe fits right in.

The image shows a round black pot filled with a thick stew made of red tomatoes and bright green okra pieces, with bits of onion and spices visible in the red broth. The stew has a varied texture with chunky seeds and soft vegetables. A silver spoon is dipping into the stew from the right side. The pot sits on a wooden surface with sprigs of green herbs nearby, a white striped cloth on the left, and a white plate holding golden square cornbread pieces to the upper right. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Herbs, Southern okra and tomato skillet, easy okra and tomato side dish, comforting Southern vegetable recipes, healthy bacon and herb stew

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that classic Southern flavor profile you’re after. When shopping, look for thick-cut bacon for the best texture and smoked depth, and grab fresh okra if you can—though frozen works well if you’re in a pinch.

Flat lay of fresh okra pods sliced into rounds, bright red diced tomatoes with juicy seeds visible, thick-cut raw bacon strips with marbled fat, a small shiny Vidalia onion whole and halved to show the layers, garlic cloves peeled and unpeeled, sprigs of fresh green thyme leaves, a dried bay leaf with its textured surface, and a small bowl of golden apple cider vinegar droplets, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Herbs, Southern okra and tomato skillet, easy okra and tomato side dish, comforting Southern vegetable recipes, healthy bacon and herb stew

Bacon: Thick-cut is best here because it crisps up nicely and imparts a smoky richness that’s the base of the dish.
Vidalia onion: Sweet onions like Vidalia add a subtle sweetness that complements the bacon and tomatoes perfectly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that punchy aroma and work wonderfully with the herbs.
Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh): I love using canned for convenience, but fresh tomatoes in season add a lovely brightness—just remember not to drain the canned ones!
Sugar: A little helps cut the acidity of the tomatoes and balances the flavors.
Fresh thyme: I prefer fresh, but dried works fine—thyme pairs beautifully with the bacon and tomato base.
Dried bay leaf: Adds a subtle depth and earthiness.
Apple cider vinegar: Just a splash to brighten things up and add a little zing.
Worcestershire sauce: Don’t skip this—it adds a complex umami boost that really rounds everything out.
Okra: Fresh or frozen, trimmed and sliced; this veggie is the star and gives the dish its unique texture and charm.
Salt and pepper: To taste, because seasoning is everything.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this stewed okra and tomatoes recipe my own by tweaking the herbs or adding a little extra smoky flavor. Feel free to play around—you’ll discover what you and your family like best!

Spicy kick: I’ve added a pinch of cayenne or a diced jalapeño when I wanted a little heat—my family goes crazy for the added warmth.
Make it vegetarian: Simply skip the bacon and add a bit of smoked paprika to replicate some of that smoky depth.
Fresh herbs: Basil or oregano work beautifully, especially in summer when you have fresh herbs on hand.
Adding protein: Try stirring in cooked sausage or chicken for a heartier meal.

How to Make Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Crisp Your Bacon and Sauté Aromatics

Start by cooking your diced bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. I love when the bacon edges start to crisp and the fat renders out—that’s your flavor gold right there. Once it’s about 5 minutes in and smelling irresistible, add your diced Vidalia onion and minced garlic. Sauté those together for another 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Flavor Boosters

Next, stir in your diced tomatoes with their juices, sugar, fresh thyme leaves, the bay leaf, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Use the tomato juice to deglaze the pan—make sure you scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom! Then, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. This simmer helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Okra to Tender Perfection

Now, add your trimmed and sliced okra to the pot. Cover it with a lid and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the okra turns tender—about 10–12 minutes for fresh and 7–8 minutes if you’re using frozen. I like to check the texture with a fork; it should be soft but not mushy. Finally, pull out the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it immediately to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors at their best.

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Pro Tips for Making Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Herbs Recipe

Choose thick-cut bacon: It crisps up better and gives you that perfect smoky flavor without getting too greasy.
Don’t drain your tomatoes: Keeping the juices in is key to deglazing the pan and building a rich sauce.
Mind your okra timing: Overcooked okra can get slimy, so stick to the recommended cooking times to keep it tender but firm.
Salt at the end: Salt draws out moisture, so add it just before serving to avoid watery stew.

How to Serve Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Herbs Recipe

A close-up view of a black pot filled with a vibrant stew featuring bright red tomato chunks, green okra pieces with their unique ridged texture and visible seeds, and small bits of caramelized onion and garlic, all simmering in a rich, reddish broth; a silver spoon rests inside the pot, partially submerged in the stew, while the background shows two square pieces of golden cornbread on a dark plate, all placed on a white marbled surface with hints of green herbs scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Herbs, Southern okra and tomato skillet, easy okra and tomato side dish, comforting Southern vegetable recipes, healthy bacon and herb stew

Garnishes

I usually top this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra thyme leaves to add a pop of color and fresh herb aroma. Sometimes I’ll toss on a little flaky sea salt or a few dashes of hot sauce for the folks who like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Herbs Recipe pairs beautifully with cornbread, creamy grits, or simply steamed rice. If you want a full meal, a side of roasted chicken or grilled pork chops is fantastic alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this stew in individual rustic bowls, garnished with vibrant microgreens and a lemon wedge for an extra zing. It’s a homey yet elegant presentation that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I notice the flavors even deepen overnight, which makes it taste even better the next day!

Freezing

This recipe freezes pretty well, too. Just cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and pop it in. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

I prefer reheating gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the okra tender and the sauce smooth. Microwave works too in a pinch—just cover to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh okra instead of frozen for this Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Herbs Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh okra actually works beautifully in this recipe and imparts a nicer texture when cooked properly. Just make sure to trim the stems and slice the pods into half-inch pieces. Fresh okra takes a couple of minutes longer to cook than frozen, usually around 10–12 minutes, so adjust your simmer time accordingly.
How can I reduce the sliminess of okra in this recipe?

Great question! I discovered that quick cooking at low simmer with the lid on helps keep the okra tender without getting slimy. Avoid over-stirring and overcooking the okra. Also, using fresh okra tends to reduce the sliminess compared to frozen. Lastly, acidic ingredients like tomatoes and vinegar help balance out the texture too.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! To make a vegetarian or vegan version, simply omit the bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. You can also sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil instead of bacon fat. The tomatoes, okra, and herbs will still deliver a rich, satisfying dish.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Definitely! This dish actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have melded overnight. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stovetop when ready to serve.
What pairs best as a side with Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Herbs Recipe?

Comforting sides like buttery cornbread, creamy grits, or fluffy rice are perfect to soak up the flavorful stew. If you want more protein, roasted chicken, barbecue ribs, or grilled pork chops all make excellent accompaniments.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Herbs Recipe brings a taste of the South to my table with such ease. When I first tried it, I was surprised by how simple ingredients come together to create such depth and warmth. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug after a long day—so cozy, yet vibrant with flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it in your kitchen and make it your own. Trust me, once you do, this recipe will be on repeat in your household too!