The Best Homemade Brunswick Stew Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Brunswick stew recipe is a crowd-pleaser, offering comfort in every bite with its rich, smoky flavor. It’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. You’ll love how the flavors mingle together as it simmers, creating a hearty dish perfect for chilly nights. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak it to your taste. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy it again later without the fuss!
Recipe
Brunswick stew is a hearty Southern dish with a rich history, often featuring a mix of meats and vegetables in a thick, tomato-based broth. This classic recipe delivers deep flavors and comforting warmth, perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked pork shoulder, shredded
- 1 lb smoked chicken, shredded
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can lima beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 cup okra, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
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, and okra (if using).
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens.
Notes:
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked meats or add a dash of liquid smoke.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if needed.
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1.5 hours
Cuisine: Southern
Serving: 6–8
Nutrition
Brunswick stew is a hearty dish packed with flavor and nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving:
| Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 25g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving Brunswick stew with a warm slice of cornbread—its slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the stew’s rich, smoky taste. Adding a side of collard greens, cooked with a bit of bacon for extra flavor, makes the meal feel complete. It’s a combo I can’t resist whenever I make this dish.
Cornbread Pairing
Nothing complements a hearty bowl of Brunswick stew quite like a piece of warm, buttery cornbread. For baking tips, I always use a cast-iron skillet—it gives the crust that perfect crunch. Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps keep it tender. Serve it fresh from the oven, slathered with honey or extra butter for a sweet contrast to the stew’s smoky flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, add jalapeños or cheddar to the batter for a savory twist. Trust me, once you try this pairing, you’ll never want to eat stew without it. It’s comfort food at its best!
Collard Greens Combo
When I’m serving up a pot of collard greens, I like to think about balance—something rich, something tangy, and something hearty to round it all out. In Southern cuisine, collard greens shine, especially when paired with smoky pulled pork or crispy fried chicken, adding depth to the meal. For a tangy twist, I’ll add a splash of vinegar or a side of pickled vegetables. Seasonal variations keep it fresh—think sweet potatoes in fall or fresh tomatoes in summer. A warm slice of cornbread or buttered biscuits helps soak up the flavorful pot likker, making every bite satisfying.
