The BEST Brunswick Stew Recipe
If you’re craving a bowl full of smoky, savory comfort, it’s time to let The BEST Brunswick Stew take center stage at your table. This Southern classic blends tender BBQ pork, juicy chicken, and smoky sausage with a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a tangy, tomato-rich broth that’s guaranteed to warm your soul and satisfy every last nostalgic craving. With each spoonful, you’ll taste a celebration of hearty flavors, making it easy to see why so many call this version The BEST Brunswick Stew.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The BEST Brunswick Stew shines because it’s all about simple ingredients working in perfect harmony. Every ingredient has a special role, adding a layer of flavor, a pop of color, or that craveable texture that keeps you coming back for more. Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this legendary comfort dish.
- Smoked Sausage (½ lb): Adds a smoky, savory depth and a wonderful chew to each bite.
- Chicken Broth (3 cups): The comforting, flavorful base that ties everything together.
- Pulled BBQ Pork (½ lb): Brings a rich, robust barbecue flavor that’s the heart of any Brunswick stew.
- Chopped Cooked Chicken (2 cups): Adds tender, hearty protein and a mild flavor that balances the boldness of the pork.
- Dried Minced Onion Flakes (2 Tbsp): Quick and convenient, they release big flavor straight into the stew as it simmers.
- Tomato Sauce (1 8-oz can): Gives the stew its signature tang and rich color.
- Frozen Baby Green Lima Beans (1 12-oz bag): These add creamy texture and earthy flavor, soaking up the broth beautifully.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 14.5-oz can): Bursts of sweet-tart tomato that make every bite juicy and satisfying.
- White Vinegar (½ cup): Adds a subtle zing that brightens the stew and cuts through the richness.
- Ketchup (1 cup): Lends a sweet, tangy, tomatoey backbone that Southern cooks swear by.
- Lemon Juice (1½ tsp): A splash of citrus to wake up all the other flavors.
- Hot Sauce (1–2 Tbsp, optional): For a touch of heat if you want to give your stew a little kick.
- Cream-Style Corn (1 14.75-oz can): Makes the stew creamy and adds subtle sweetness to round things out.
- Whole Kernel Corn (1 11 or 15-oz can): Pops of corn for bursts of texture and natural sweetness.
- Brown Sugar (3 Tbsp): Balances the acidity and brightens the whole pot.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential for dialing in the flavor at the end.
How to Make The BEST Brunswick Stew
Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage
Start by warming up your trusty Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the smoked sausage pieces and let them cook until they’re beautifully browned, with little crispy bits for extra flavor. Take a moment to breathe in that mouthwatering aroma—it’s the perfect base for The BEST Brunswick Stew.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Once the sausage is browned, pour in those three cups of chicken broth. As it sizzles, use your spoon to scrape up every bit of browned goodness stuck on the bottom—those golden morsels hold so much flavor and will melt right into your stew.
Step 3: Add the Magic
Now, the real fun begins! Stir in the pulled BBQ pork, chopped chicken, minced onion flakes, tomato sauce, frozen baby lima beans, canned diced tomatoes, white vinegar, ketchup, lemon juice, and hot sauce if you want a little heat. Follow up with the cream-style corn, whole kernel corn, brown sugar, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. You’ll see colors bursting and the whole pot coming to life.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Crank up the heat just long enough to bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once it bubbles, drop the heat to low and let your stew simmer away for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour if you want maximum flavor). Stir occasionally and wait for your kitchen to fill with irresistible, Southern home-cooking aromas. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors mingle and deepen into something truly magical.
How to Serve The BEST Brunswick Stew
Garnishes
The finishing touch for The BEST Brunswick Stew is all in the garnish. Sprinkle on chopped fresh parsley for color, a dash more hot sauce for heat, or even a handful of crispy fried onions for extra crunch. Serving with a lemon wedge on the side lets each guest add just the right amount of zip.
Side Dishes
This stew absolutely shines next to some classic Southern sides. Freshly baked cornbread, fluffy white rice, or soft flaky biscuits are crowd-pleasing companions. Some folks like a scoop of coleslaw for freshness or even pickles for a salty crunch—there are no rules, only delicious traditions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve The BEST Brunswick Stew in hollowed-out bread bowls for a cozy, edible vessel, or ladle it into small mugs for a party appetizer. It’s also fantastic poured over a bed of rice or topped with shredded cheese for an extra-indulgent experience. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The BEST Brunswick Stew is a champion when it comes to leftovers. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then spoon it into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days—each day in the fridge only deepens the flavors, making those next-day bowls even more satisfying!
Freezing
This stew freezes like a dream. Portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving room for it to expand as it freezes. Label with the date, and stash in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for perfect results every time.
Reheating
Warm leftover stew gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot all the way through. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too; just use a microwave-safe bowl and stir every minute so it heats evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth if it’s thickened up too much, and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I make The BEST Brunswick Stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! Many say this stew only gets better after a night in the fridge as the flavors continue to meld. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal and will easily reheat for a satisfying dinner any night.
What meats work best in this recipe?
Traditional Brunswick stew always features a mix of smoked sausage, pulled BBQ pork, and chicken, just like in this recipe. But if you have leftover brisket or turkey, those can be delicious additions or substitutions too, giving The BEST Brunswick Stew a slightly different spin.
Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian?
While this is a meat-heavy classic, you can create a delicious vegetarian spin by swapping the meat for smoked tofu or plant-based sausage and using vegetable broth. The rich base of tomatoes, corn, and beans keeps it hearty and satisfying even without the traditional proteins.
How spicy is The BEST Brunswick Stew?
The recipe is quite flexible when it comes to heat. The hot sauce is entirely optional—add as little or as much as you like to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder stew, simply leave it out or let guests add their own at the table.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned or frozen?
Definitely! If you happen to have fresh corn, lima beans, or tomatoes, chop and prep them and toss them right in. The stew may need a little extra simmer time for everything to get tender, but the fresh, vibrant flavors will be worth it.
Final Thoughts
This dish is pure comfort in a bowl, and once you try The BEST Brunswick Stew, you’ll see why it’s a staple on Southern tables. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it and make it a new family tradition—just promise me you’ll grab a spoon and dig in soon!
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The BEST Brunswick Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Brunswick Stew is a Southern classic that combines a mix of meats, vegetables, and seasonings in a hearty, flavorful stew. This recipe for the BEST Brunswick Stew is a delicious rendition that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Smoked Sausage:
½ lb Smoked Sausage, cut into bite-size pieces
Chicken Broth:
3 cups
Pulled BBQ Pork:
½ lb
Cooked Chicken:
2 cups, chopped
Onion Flakes:
2 Tbsp dried minced
Tomato Sauce:
1 (8-oz) can
Baby Green Lima Beans:
1 (12-oz) bag, frozen
Diced Tomatoes:
1 (14.5-oz) can
White Vinegar:
½ cup
Ketchup:
1 cup
Lemon Juice:
1½ tsp
Hot Sauce:
1 to 2 Tbsp, optional
Cream-Style Corn:
1 (14.75-oz) can
Whole Kernel Corn:
1 (11 or 15-oz) can
Brown Sugar:
3 Tbsp
Salt & Pepper:
to taste
Instructions
- Cook Smoked Sausage: In a Dutch oven, cook smoked sausage until starting to brown. Add chicken broth and scrape down the pot.
- Add Ingredients: Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes to an hour.
Notes
- This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce to suit your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Brunswick Stew, Southern, Stew Recipe, BBQ Pork, Smoked Sausage
