As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the dinner table to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of stew. And when it comes to hearty and satisfying options, few recipes can rival the classic Brunswick Stew. Originating from the southern United States, this beloved dish has been passed down through generations, with each region putting its own unique twist on the recipe.
From slow-cooked meats to tender vegetables, and even some spicy kick, we’ve rounded up 18 mouth-watering Brunswick Stew recipes for you to try. Whether you’re a fan of classic Southern comfort food or looking to mix things up with some bold flavors, there’s something here for everyone. So grab a spoon and get ready to cozy up with these delicious Brunswick Stews!
Classic Southern Brunswick Stew with Pulled Pork
A hearty and comforting dish that originated in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, this Brunswick stew is a staple of Southern cuisine. Made with tender pulled pork, vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s perfect for a cold winter’s day or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pulled pork
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in pulled pork, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Add potatoes and continue to simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew with Chicken and Corn
A classic Southern comfort food, this slow cooker stew combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and rich flavors for a deliciously easy meal. Perfect for a busy day when you need something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Smoky Brunswick Stew with Beef and Lima Beans
This hearty stew is a Southern classic, rich with smoky flavor and tender beef. Perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting meal any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef brisket or chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried lima beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups beef broth
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef, then remove from pot.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add lima beans, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Return beef to pot and add broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until beef is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Spicy Brunswick Stew with Andouille Sausage
This hearty stew combines the classic flavors of traditional Brunswick stew with the spicy kick of andouille sausage, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add chicken to pot and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside with sausage.
4. Add potatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return sausage and chicken to the pot. Cover and transfer to preheated oven.
7. Simmer stew for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Easy Brunswick Stew with Rotisserie Chicken
Easy Brunswick Stew with Rotisserie Chicken
This classic Southern recipe gets a modern twist by using rotisserie chicken and canned tomatoes to create a hearty, comforting stew that’s ready in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2.5-3 lb) rotisserie chicken, shredded
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup frozen lima beans
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the shredded chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, canned tomatoes, frozen lima beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegetarian Brunswick Stew with Lentils and Sweet Potatoes
This hearty stew is a twist on the classic Southern dish, featuring lentils and sweet potatoes as a flavorful and nutritious alternative to traditional ingredients. Perfect for a cozy dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine lentils, sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, and red bell pepper.
2. Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Brunswick Stew with Okra and Tomatoes
A hearty, comforting stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering. This recipe combines tender okra, juicy tomatoes, and rich pork in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cups okra, sliced
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the pork in a large pot over medium-high heat, then set aside.
2. Add onions, celery, and okra to the pot; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Return the browned pork to the pot and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the meat is tender.
5. Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
BBQ-Inspired Brunswick Stew with Hickory Flavor
Get ready to slow-cook your way into a taste of the South with this BBQ-inspired Brunswick stew infused with hickory flavor. This hearty, comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings or as a side to your favorite grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup hickory BBQ sauce
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, brown the pork shoulder in a little oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, BBQ sauce, and chicken broth.
5. Cover and transfer to preheated oven.
6. Cook for 2-1/2 hours or until pork is tender and falls apart easily.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Brunswick Stew with Rabbit and Root Vegetables
Brunswick stew, a Southern classic, gets a delicious twist with the addition of rabbit and root vegetables. This comforting dish is perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb rabbit, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup tomato paste
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the rabbit pieces over medium-high heat, then set aside.
2. Add the potatoes, sweet potato, carrot, onion, and garlic; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Stir in chicken broth, tomato paste, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Return the rabbit to the pot and simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the meat is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Creamy Brunswick Stew with Coconut Milk
A Southern classic gets a creamy twist with the addition of coconut milk, creating a rich and velvety stew that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is an innovative take on traditional Brunswick stew.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken, onion, and garlic; cook until the chicken is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the corn kernels, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let stew for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Brunswick Stew with Wild Game and Barley
This hearty stew is a perfect blend of rich flavors and tender textures, made with wild game meat, barley, and a medley of vegetables. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal for any outdoor enthusiast.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb wild game meat (venison, elk, or bison), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, combine the wild game meat, chicken broth, water, barley, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and diced tomatoes.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and the barley is cooked.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Instant Pot Brunswick Stew for Quick Meals
This classic Southern stew is a staple of comfort food, made even easier with the help of your Instant Pot. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and melt 2 tbsp of butter. Add the chicken, onion, and garlic; cook until the chicken is browned.
2. Add the corn, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot.
3. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 10 minutes at high pressure.
4. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Instant Pot Brunswick Stew!
Brunswick Stew with Bacon and Green Beans
This classic Southern dish gets a boost from crispy bacon and tender green beans, making it a comforting meal for any occasion. With its rich flavor profile and satisfying texture, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups of green beans, trimmed
– 1 cup of beef broth
– 1/2 cup of tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy, then remove from pot.
3. Add onions and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Add pork shoulder and cook until browned.
5. Add green beans, beef broth, tomato paste, cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Cover and bake for 2-1/2 hours or until the meat is tender.
7. Stir in cooked bacon and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Brunswick Stew with Homemade Cornbread Dumplings
Brunswick Stew is a classic Southern comfort food that combines tender pork and vegetables in a rich, tangy broth. Our recipe elevates this traditional dish by adding homemade cornbread dumplings for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
For the stew:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, bell peppers)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
For the cornbread dumplings:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown pork shoulder in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add remaining stew ingredients and bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare cornbread dumplings by whisking together dry ingredients and melted butter. Gradually add buttermilk until batter forms.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the stew, cover with lid, and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until dumplings are golden brown.
Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Brunswick Stew with a Kick of Hot Sauce
This classic Southern stew gets a bold twist with the addition of spicy hot sauce, elevating its rich and comforting flavors to a whole new level. Perfect for those who like a little heat in their meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 2 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 4 cups cooked white corn kernels
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the pork shoulder over medium heat until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, hot sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the pork is tender.
5. Add the cooked corn kernels and stir to combine.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes.
Brunswick Stew with Fresh Herbs and Garlic
This Southern staple gets a flavorful boost from the addition of fresh herbs and garlic, elevating the traditional dish to new heights. With its rich, comforting broth and tender vegetables, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless beef brisket or chuck roast
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary)
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the beef in oil over medium-high heat, then set aside.
3. Add onions, garlic, and fresh herbs; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return beef to the pot, cover, and transfer to oven. Braise for 2-1/2 hours or until meat is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Brunswick Stew with Butternut Squash and Kale
This recipe puts a seasonal spin on the traditional Southern favorite, adding sweet and nutty butternut squash and earthy kale to create a hearty and comforting stew.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder or beef brisket, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium butternut squashes, peeled and cubed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup kale leaves, stems removed and chopped
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, brown the meat in a little oil over medium-high heat, then set aside.
3. Add more oil if needed, then sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add the butternut squash, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
5. Braise for 45 minutes or until the squash is tender.
6. Stir in the cooked meat and chopped kale. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the greens have wilted.
Cooking Time: 60-75 minutes
Brunswick Stew with a Tangy Vinegar Twist
This classic Southern stew gets a tangy boost from a splash of apple cider vinegar, adding a depth of flavor to this hearty and comforting dish. Perfect for a cold winter’s night or a tailgating party.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup frozen lima beans
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven, cook the pork shoulder and sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onions, garlic, bell pepper, beef broth, lima beans, tomato paste, brown sugar, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
4. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes or until the stew has thickened slightly.
5. Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Summary
Cozy up on a chilly night with these 18 hearty Brunswick stew recipes! From classic Southern flavors to spicy twists and vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone. Recipes range from easy slow cooker meals to bold BBQ-inspired dishes, using ingredients like pulled pork, chicken, beef, sausage, lentils, sweet potatoes, and more. Whether you’re a meat-lover or looking for a plant-based option, these Brunswick stews are sure to satisfy your cravings.