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brunswick stew

Brunswick Stew – Southern-Style

Brunswick Stew is a rich, slow-simmered Southern classic made with tender shredded meat, tomatoes, lima beans, corn, and a lightly smoky, savory broth. Thick, comforting, and deeply flavorful, it’s a one-pot meal that only gets better with time.

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups cooked shredded chicken

1 1/2 cups cooked pulled pork (or beef)

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup frozen or fresh corn

1 cup frozen lima beans

1 medium potato, peeled and diced small

2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.

  • Add shredded chicken and pulled pork, stirring to coat with the onion mixture.

  • Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well.

  • Add corn, lima beans, diced potato, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, sugar, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

  • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Lightly mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken the stew. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • Low and slow wins: The longer it simmers, the better the flavor develops.

  • Thickness control: If the stew gets too thick, add a splash of broth; too thin, simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes.

  • Smoky boost: A few drops of liquid smoke or smoked meat drippings add authentic depth.

  • Make ahead friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day.


Variations

 

  • Traditional Georgia style: Use only chicken and pork, no beef.

  • Virginia-style: Add a small amount of butter at the end for richness.

  • Spicy Brunswick Stew: Increase cayenne or add chopped jalapeños.

  • Slow cooker version: Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.

  • Leftover-friendly: Perfect for using rotisserie chicken or leftover BBQ meat.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 28g
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