Al Johnson'S Brunswick Stew
A hearty and flavorful Brunswick stew with tender meats, vegetables, and tangy seasonings, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers seeking a rich, savory dish.
Ingredients
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. hamburger meat ⓘ
- 1 lb. chicken, cooked and chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. pork, cooked and chopped ⓘ
- 1 can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can corn ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dry mustard
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the chopped onions in a small amount of cooking oil in a large pot until translucent.
- Pre-cook all meats (hamburger, chicken, pork) and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the cooked meats, canned tomatoes, corn, English peas, and all remaining ingredients to the pot.
- Add lemon juice and fruit, then stir well to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and cook slowly for at least 2 hours, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked meats or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute the pork with additional hamburger or use turkey for a lighter option. Adjust the spices to your taste; adding a bit more Worcestershire sauce or Tabasco can enhance the stew's depth. Make sure to chop your ingredients uniformly for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Brunswick stew hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a touch of sweetness, consider serving it alongside a dish like Bourbon Chicken, which complements the stew's savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Brunswick stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Al Johnson'S Brunswick Stew contains roughly 792 calories, with 9g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 471mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Brunswick stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply sauté the onions in a pan, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of chicken in this stew?
If you prefer not to use chicken, you can substitute it with diced turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version. Ensure the substitute is pre-cooked to maintain the stew's cooking time.
How do I thicken Brunswick stew if it's too watery?
If your stew turns out too watery, you can thicken it by stirring in a slurry made from cornstarch and water. Start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water, and stir it into the stew while simmering until it reaches your desired consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).