Real Brunswick Stew
A hearty Southern favorite featuring tender chicken, pork, beef, and vegetables simmered in a rich tomato-based broth, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. chicken, boiled, deboned and cut in pieces
- 1 1/2 lb. pork, boiled, deboned and cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 2 lb. lean ground beef, browned ⓘ
- 2 (No. 303) cans small green peas, drained ⓘ
- 2 (No. 303) cans green butter beans, drained
- 3 (16 oz.) cans Niblets corn, drained ⓘ
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 (No. 303) cans tomatoes, juice included ⓘ
- 2 small cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 (12 oz.) bottles catsup ⓘ
- 2 small cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- Tabasco sauce to taste ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and cook chicken and pork, then debone and cut into pieces, saving the stock.
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onions together.
- Mix all ingredients including drained vegetables, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings in a large pot.
- Add the reserved stock from cooking the meats to achieve desired stew consistency.
- Simmer the stew slowly for 1 hour, stirring often to prevent sticking.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked pork in place of regular boiled pork. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water during the simmering stage. Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves can also enhance the taste. If you're short on time, precooked chicken from recipes like Ruth'S Chicken can be a great substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Brunswick stew is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad, like Trade Winds Salad, for a fresh contrast. You can also serve it over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. Enjoy with your favorite hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Brunswick stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or stock if it appears too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Real Brunswick Stew contains roughly 795 calories, with 18g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and potassium (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2456mg per serving (107% 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 other meats in Brunswick stew?
Absolutely! While chicken and pork are traditional, you can experiment with beef, turkey, or even game meats for a unique twist. Just ensure that the meats are cooked and tender before adding them to the stew.
Is there a vegetarian version of Brunswick stew?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting the meats with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, eggplant, or jackfruit. Use vegetable broth instead of meat stock and add beans for protein.
How can I adjust the spice level of the stew?
To control the spice level, start with a small amount of Tabasco sauce and gradually add more to taste. You can also use milder peppers or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
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).