A Hearty Brunswick Stew Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl
You’re going to love making Brunswick Stew. I love this cozy recipe that is perfect for the winter season and full of hearty ingredients and a great smoky flavor!
Brunswick Stew
Equipment
- large pan (Dutch oven, cast-iron pot, large soup pan)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons:
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp. butter
- 1 large diced onion
- 1½ tsp. minced garlic
- 1½ tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- ¼ tsp. ground red pepper
- 1 tsp. paprika
- ½ lb. smoked pulled chicken (chopped)
- ½ lb. smoked pulled pork (chopped)
- 1 cup BBQ Sacue
- ½ cup mustard style BBQ sauce
- 1 can crushed or diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup frozen baby Lima beans, frozen or thawed
- 1 cup frozen corn, frozen or thawed
- 1 cup chopped tomato
Instructions
- In a large soup pan, melt butter over medium-high heat and add the diced onion. Stir until soft, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add in garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in salt, both peppers, and Worcestershire. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to stir frequently for 5 minutes.
- Add the pulled chicken and pork, BBQ sauces, and cook for 5 more minutes. Stir often.
- Add the canned and fresh tomatoes, chicken stock, corn, lima beans, and paprika.
- Bring this to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally. Enjoy!
Crock Pot Directions
- Add all ingredients to your crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Serve with cornbread and enjoy!
Let’s Get to Cooking
You’re going to love making Brunswick stew—it’s one of those southern favorites that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Packed with hearty ingredients and smoky flavor, this thick stew is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Let me show you how I make it, and you can tweak it to make it your own!
Don’t be scared to go off script and bit and try different ingredients or spices.
Start with Shredded Chicken and Smoked Pork
For this Brunswick stew, I like to use shredded chicken and shredded smoked pork. Leftover rotisserie chicken or smoked pork from your last barbecue works perfectly.
The smoky flavor of this stew comes alive with these meats, and they make it feel like a true barbecue stew. I will even use the packages of pulled pork and chicken that you can buy at the grocery.
Build the Base: Tomatoes, Chicken Stock, and Barbecue Sauce
Now grab a big pot—or if you’re short on time, a slow cooker works great too. It’s the perfect way to come home to a hearty meal.
Saute some onions and garlic in a little butter until they’re soft.
Then add crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, and a generous splash of bbq sauce. Trust me, the barbecue sauce adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the flavor of this stew.
Add the Hearty Ingredients to This Classic Southern Dish
Here’s where the magic happens. Toss in butter beans or baby lima beans (either works beautifully), corn, and diced tomatoes. Frozen veggies are a lifesaver here—no need to thaw.
You can use fresh vegetables if you have those on hand. These hearty ingredients make the stew rich and satisfying.
Spice It Up: Old-Fashioned Brunswick Stew
Seasoning is the key to a good Brunswick stew. I like to add Worcestershire sauce, a dash of hot sauce for a little heat, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
If you don’t have red pepper, just use a bit more of black pepper.
You can adjust the spice level to your liking, but these flavors give it that classic southern taste. I like to throw in a bit of brown sugar too.
Let It Simmer or Use the Slow Cooker
If you’re making it on the stove, let it simmer low and slow for about an hour. This lets the flavors of the stew meld together into a thick, hearty dish.
If you’re using a crock pot, set it on low for 6–8 hours. Either way, your house will smell amazing!
Storing Leftover Brunswick Stew
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This thick stew tastes even better the next day. Just let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave for another cozy meal.
Serve with Southern Charm
When it’s time to serve, ladle that hearty Brunswick stew into bowls and pair it with cornbread or crusty rolls. The smoky flavor and barbecue-inspired base make it an instant crowd-pleaser.
What Do You Think?
So, what do you think? Ready to give this hearty Brunswick stew recipe a try? If you make it, let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your take on this southern favorite!
