The Best Homemade Brunswick Stew Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Brunswick Stew recipe is a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings. You’ll love how easy it is to make, with simple ingredients that come together for big flavor.
- Rich, smoky taste from tender pulled pork and a blend of spices that warm you up with every bite.
- Hearty and filling, packed with veggies, beans, and meat so it’s a meal all on its own.
- Great for leftovers, tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Recipe
Brunswick stew is a hearty, flavorful dish with roots in the American South, traditionally made with a mix of meats, vegetables, and a tomato-based broth. This recipe stays true to its classic preparation, delivering a rich and comforting meal perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked pork shoulder, shredded
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can lima beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can butter beans, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until softened.
- Add the shredded pork and chicken, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, lima beans, corn, butter beans, and chicken broth.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, mash some of the beans slightly while cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1.5 hours
Cuisine
American (Southern)
Serving
6–8 servings
Nutrition
Brunswick stew is a hearty dish packed with meats and vegetables. Here is the nutritional breakdown for a typical serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my Brunswick stew with warm, buttery cornbread—it’s the perfect way to soak up every last bit of flavor. A crisp side salad with tangy dressing adds a fresh contrast to the rich, hearty stew. Trust me, these pairings make the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight.
Cornbread Pairings
When I’m serving up a hearty bowl of Brunswick stew, I can’t help but think cornbread is the perfect sidekick. I love experimenting with cornmeal options, like stone-ground or fine, to tweak the texture. My go-to baking technique? A hot cast-iron skillet for that crispy crust. Sometimes I’ll add a touch of honey or jalapeños for extra flavor. It’s so easy to crumble a piece right into the stew or slather it with butter. Trust me, the combo’s unbeatable. Whether you like yours sweet or savory, cornbread just makes the meal feel complete. Try it—you’ll see!
Side Salad Options
Since Brunswick stew is rich and hearty, balancing it with a fresh side salad can make the meal feel lighter and more complete. I love using leafy greens, like spinach or romaine, as a base because they’re crisp and invigorating. Adding veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, or bell peppers gives it a nice crunch. For salad dressings, I keep it simple—a tangy vinaigrette or creamy ranch works wonders. Sometimes, I’ll toss in a handful of nuts or croutons for extra texture. It’s a quick, easy way to round out the meal, and it complements the stew’s bold flavors perfectly.
