If you’ve been searching far and wide for a hearty, comforting dish that bursts with deep, smoky flavors and a touch of tangy sweetness, look no further. The BEST Brunswick Stew Recipe is your new go-to for those cozy gatherings or any time you crave a warm, satisfying bowl. Made with a medley of tender smoked sausage, pulled BBQ pork, and cooked chicken, this stew blends fresh and canned ingredients into a luscious, thick sauce that wraps your taste buds in a delicious southern hug. Every spoonful delivers layers of flavor, from the vibrant tomato base to the subtle kick of hot sauce and the mellow bite of lima beans and corn. It’s easy, nourishing, and perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with The BEST Brunswick Stew Recipe means gathering just a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding rich smoky notes, balancing acidity, or providing texture and sweetness.
- Smoked Sausage (½ lb): Adds robust flavor and a satisfying meaty bite.
- Chicken Broth (3 cups): The flavorful liquid that forms the stew’s delicious base.
- Pulled BBQ Pork (½ lb): Brings smoky, tender depth and that irresistible barbecue aroma.
- Cooked Chicken (2 cups, chopped): Offers tender protein to round out the stew’s texture.
- Dried Minced Onion Flakes (2 Tbsp): Provides mellow sweetness and aroma without overpowering.
- Tomato Sauce (1 8-oz can): Creates a rich, savory foundation for the stew’s flavor.
- Frozen Baby Green Lima Beans (1 12-oz bag): Adds a creamy texture and subtle earthiness.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 14.5-oz can): Gives freshness and a slightly acidic brightness.
- White Vinegar (½ cup): Balances richness with a lively tang.
- Ketchup (1 cup): Adds sweetness and depth, enhancing the stew’s signature taste.
- Lemon Juice (1½ tsp): Injects a fresh, citrusy lift to brighten the flavors.
- Hot Sauce (1 to 2 Tbsp, optional): Introduces a gentle heat, perfect for those who like a little spice.
- Cream-Style Corn (1 14.75-oz can): Brings creamy sweetness that blends seamlessly into the stew.
- Whole Kernel Corn (1 11 or 15-oz can): Offers texture contrast and bursts of natural corn flavor.
- Brown Sugar (3 Tbsp): Balances acidity with just enough sweetness to keep things harmonized.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance and bring all flavors together.
How to Make The BEST Brunswick Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage pieces and cook them just until they begin to brown, releasing their smoky, savory aroma. Browning the sausage not only adds flavor but also creates those delicious browned bits on the pot’s bottom that will deepen your stew.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Deglaze
Pour in the chicken broth to the pot, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. This simple deglazing step infuses the broth with extra goodness that you will taste in every spoonful.
Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Next, add the pulled BBQ pork, chopped cooked chicken, minced onion flakes, tomato sauce, lima beans, diced tomatoes, vinegar, ketchup, lemon juice, cream-style corn, whole kernel corn, brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to an hour. This slow simmer allows the complex flavors to meld beautifully and the stew to thicken into a rich, hearty masterpiece. If you like things with a little kick, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot sauce during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
How to Serve The BEST Brunswick Stew Recipe
Garnishes
While the stew is delicious on its own, a few simple garnishes can elevate the experience. Try chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the stew’s tangy undertones. And for an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top to melt over the warm stew.
Side Dishes
The BEST Brunswick Stew Recipe shines when paired with classic sides like warm cornbread or crusty bread to soak up every bit of the scrumptious sauce. A crisp side salad or coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the stew’s richness. For heartier meals, consider serving with mashed potatoes or even over fluffy white rice for a Southern-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the stew in mini cast-iron skillets or rustic bread bowls for a fun presentation that keeps the stew warm while impressing your guests. You can also ladle it over baked potatoes or use it as a flavorful filling for savory pot pies. The versatility of The BEST Brunswick Stew Recipe means you can tailor it to any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Brunswick stew tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to marry, so don’t worry if you have leftovers. Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating to preserve freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully for longer storage. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Properly stored, it will keep for up to 3 months without losing its wonderful taste and texture, making it perfect for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the stew gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving on high for extended periods to keep the stew’s texture intact. If the stew has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up during reheating.
FAQs
Can I make The BEST Brunswick Stew Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the smoked sausage, pulled pork, and chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, smoked tofu, or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra beans or lentils for protein, ensuring the stew remains filling and flavorful.
What is the best type of smoked sausage to use?
Choose a smoked sausage with a robust, smoky flavor such as kielbasa or andouille. These not only provide great flavor but also hold up well during cooking without becoming mushy, ensuring your stew has delicious, meaty bites.
How spicy is this stew and can I control the heat?
The heat level is entirely up to you. The recipe includes 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot sauce as an option so you can add as much or as little as you like. For milder tastes, omit the hot sauce and rely on the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Is it okay to use canned beans instead of frozen lima beans?
Yes, canned lima beans can be used. Just drain and rinse them well before adding to the stew to avoid extra salt or liquid. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly softer than with frozen beans, but the flavor will still shine.
Can I prepare this stew in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Brown the sausage first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Slow cooking will deepen the flavors even more, creating a wonderfully rich Brunswick stew.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of The BEST Brunswick Stew Recipe that warms your soul and satisfies from the first bite. With its blend of smoky meats, sweet and tangy undertones, and hearty vegetables, this stew is a classic southern treasure you’ll want to serve time and time again. Whether you’re feeding a big family or just craving some comfort food, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy a taste of tradition in your own kitchen. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch it become an instant favorite!
Print
The BEST Brunswick Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 40 to 70 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful Brunswick Stew full of smoky sausage, tender barbecue pork, chicken, and a medley of vegetables simmered to perfection in a tangy tomato base. This classic Southern comfort dish is perfect for gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
Meats
- ½ lb Smoked Sausage, cut into bite-size pieces
- ½ lb pulled BBQ Pork
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
Liquids & Sauces
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1½ tsp lemon juice
- 1 to 2 Tbsp hot sauce (optional)
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 (12-oz) bag frozen baby green lima beans
- 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14.75-oz) can cream-style corn
- 1 (11 or 15-oz) can whole kernel corn
Seasonings & Sweeteners
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a Dutch oven, heat and cook the smoked sausage pieces until they start to brown, releasing their smoky flavor and fat into the pot.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape down the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate browned bits into the stew.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the pulled BBQ pork, chopped chicken, dried minced onion flakes, tomato sauce, frozen lima beans, diced tomatoes, vinegar, ketchup, lemon juice, hot sauce (if using), cream-style corn, whole kernel corn, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to one hour, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the stew to thicken slightly.
Notes
- Adjust hot sauce quantity to control the stew’s spiciness.
- Simmer time can be extended for deeper flavor.
- Add additional salt and pepper based on personal taste preferences.
- Use a heavy pot such as a Dutch oven for even cooking and to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 to 60 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
