old fashioned brunswick stew recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best old fashioned brunswick stew recipe

I’ve been making old fashioned Brunswick stew for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. This recipe originated in the southern United States, specifically in the state of Virginia, where it was a staple dish for hunters and farmers.

The stew is made with tender chunks of beef, pork, or a combination of the two, and is slow-cooked in a rich broth with vegetables and spices. The flavor is hearty and comforting, with a depth that comes from the long cooking time and the use of traditional ingredients like onions, carrots, and potatoes.

My kids love it when I serve this stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes – it’s a meal that feels like a special occasion, but is easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can adjust the level of heat to your liking by adding more or less hot sauce, and you can also customize it to suit your family’s tastes by adding in other ingredients like diced tomatoes or chopped fresh herbs.

Plus, the leftovers are just as good as the first batch, making it a great option for meal prep or potlucks. Overall, this old fashioned Brunswick stew recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.

Old Fashioned Brunswick Stew

4.9 from 813 votes

This hearty stew is a classic Southern dish featuring chicken, pork, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Meat

2 lbs pork shoulder
2 lbs chicken thighs
1 lb bacon

Vegetables

2 medium onions, chopped
2 medium bell peppers, chopped
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups fresh or frozen corn
2 cups fresh or frozen lima beans

Sauce

2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2Remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
3Add pork shoulder and chicken thighs to the pot with bacon drippings.
4Cook over medium heat until browned on all sides, about 10-12 minutes.
5Remove meat from the pot and set aside.
6In the same pot, add onions and bell peppers.
7Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
8Add potatoes, corn, and lima beans.
9Stir to combine.
10Return the pork and chicken to the pot.
11Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
12Stir to combine.
13Add salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, thyme, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
14Stir well to combine all ingredients.
15Bring the stew to a boil over high heat.
16Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
17Once the stew is done, remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.
18Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
19Garnish with chopped bacon and serve warm.

🔧Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Sharp knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add more vegetables like carrots or celery if desired. For a spicier stew, add more red pepper flakes. For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry.

Watch Video Of How Old Fashioned Brunswick Stew Works

This old fashioned Brunswick stew recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re serving it at home on a weeknight or taking it along to a potluck.

The leftovers are just as good as the first batch, making it perfect for meal prep or serving at family gatherings.

Plus, with its rich flavor and hearty texture, this stew is sure to become a new family favorite.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Brunswick Stew

What type of meat should I use in this recipe?

You can use either beef or pork in this recipe, or a combination of both. If you want to make it more authentic, use beef – but if you prefer pork or want to mix things up, go for it! Either way, make sure to use high-quality meat that’s cut into bite-sized pieces.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! In fact, this recipe was made for slow cookers. Simply brown the meat and cook the vegetables in a pan before transferring everything to the slow cooker with the broth and spices. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Brunswick stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – simply thaw it in the fridge or reheat it straight from the freezer.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Absolutely! Some people like to add diced tomatoes or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite ingredients – just be sure not to overpower the rich flavor of the stew.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No – this recipe contains meat. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of Brunswick stew, consider substituting the meat with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or seitan.

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