Thomas & Edna Brunswick Stew
Thomas & Edna Brunswick Stew is a hearty, slow-cooked dish packed with rich meats, tomatoes, corn, and beans, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. Louisiana Red Hot All Natural hot sauce
- 16 oz. Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 12 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 12 lb. pork loin ends ⓘ
- 6 fat hens ⓘ
- 3 lb. Land of Lakes salted butter ⓘ
- 3 gallons tomatoes ⓘ
- 32 oz. catsup ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 gallon corn ⓘ
- 1/2 gallon cooked butterbeans ⓘ
- 1 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 16 oz. lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook pork and hens until tender separately.
- Debone and chop the cooked meats to medium fine.
- Reserve the broth from the cooked meats.
- Use a large pot to cook the stew.
- Pour 1 1/2 gallons of reserved broth into the pot.
- Add ground chuck, chopped hens, and chopped pork loin to the broth.
- Cook until ground chuck is thoroughly done.
- Add corn and cooked butterbeans, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Add crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh).
- Begin adding Worcestershire sauce, Louisiana Red Hot sauce, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt to taste.
- Cook slowly for several hours until thick, approximately 5 hours.
- This stew can be canned or frozen for storage.
- Taste frequently to achieve the desired flavor and consistency.
- If the mixture becomes too thick, add more reserved broth.
- Ensure to cook very slowly to prevent sticking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked pork rather than regular pork loin ends. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more Louisiana Red Hot sauce incrementally to your taste. Using fresh tomatoes when in season can elevate the stew's flavor profile. If you have leftover cooked meats, they can easily be substituted into this recipe for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Brunswick stew in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread for soaking up the rich flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside coleslaw or a green salad. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or gatherings where comfort food is desired.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or reserved broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thomas & Edna Brunswick Stew contains roughly 4093 calories, with 238g protein, 606g carbohydrates, and 142g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (865% of the Daily Value), protein (476% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (361% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1431mg per serving (62% 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 this Brunswick stew?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for pork and chicken, you can substitute with beef, turkey, or even game meats for a unique twist. Just ensure that the cooking times are adjusted based on the meat's tenderness to achieve the best results.
How can I adjust the thickness of the stew?
If your stew is too thick, simply add more of the reserved broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, let it simmer longer uncovered to allow some liquid to evaporate, thickening it naturally.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! After sautéing the meats, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method will allow the flavors to meld beautifully while requiring less attention during the cooking process.
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).