Large Pot Brunswick Stew
Large Pot Brunswick Stew is a hearty, flavorful Southern dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Featuring tender chicken, bacon, vegetables, and savory seasonings, it offers a smoky, rich taste with a comforting blend of tomatoes, potatoes, and beans. Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or outdoor cookouts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In an iron pot outside, cook hens and middling meat (bacon) until half done.
- Add hamburger and chopped onions; continue cooking until hens are done.
- Add chopped potatoes and cook until they are in pieces, then add tomatoes and butter beans.
- Cook the stew until well done, approximately 7 hours.
- Add corn and butter; cook until the corn is done.
- Season with red pepper, black pepper, salt, and sugar to taste, adding seasonings throughout the cooking process.
- Cook the stew to the desired thickness.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you can't find butter beans, Great Northern beans are a great substitute. To speed up cooking, you can precook the potatoes or use frozen chopped onions. Be mindful of the seasoning; adding salt early can draw out moisture, affecting thickness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew in deep bowls with crusty bread or cornbread on the side for soaking up the rich flavors. It pairs beautifully with Seasoned White Beans for a complete meal. For a refreshing touch, a simple green salad could also complement the dish well, balancing the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Large Pot Brunswick Stew contains roughly 5265 calories, with 210g protein, 802g carbohydrates, and 197g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (1139% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (976% of the Daily Value), and protein (419% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use different types of meat for this stew?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for hens and bacon, you can substitute in other meats like chicken thighs or even smoked sausage for added flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is cooked through.
How do I make this stew thicker?
To thicken the stew, you can simply cook it longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to achieve your desired consistency.
What can I serve with Brunswick stew?
Brunswick stew is hearty enough to stand alone, but serving it with cornbread, a fresh salad, or even coleslaw can enhance the meal. If you're looking for more ideas, browse more Pork recipes for additional sides that pair well.
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).