Warm your body and soul with this hearty and comforting Brunswick stew recipe. This tomato-based Southern stew is wonderfully flavorful, made with lots of fresh veggies, smoked meat, and a tangy barbecue sauce (BBQ).
The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.
This Brunswick stew recipe has been a family favorite for many years. Packed full of veggies and made with smoked pulled pork or chicken, this stew is not shy in the flavor department. Made with a tangy BBQ sauce, this is the perfect way to warm up after a long day.
Made in one pot on the stovetop, this effortless meal is sure to please everyone. It's also a great way to utilize leftovers. I can't recall where I first had it, but I remember some of the best Brunswick stew came from a church fundraiser here in North Carolina. Whenever I want some, but they aren't serving it, I make it at home.
Be sure to try my Instant Pot Chili and Hearty Vegetable Soup for more classic soup recipes.
A Quick Look at The Ingredients
Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Leftover pulled pork or chicken - This is the classic protein found in Brunswick stew. I usually opt for pulled pork, but you can also use chicken if you prefer.
- Vegetables - Onions, garlic, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, mixed vegetables, and frozen Lima beans.
- Unsalted Butter - for sautéeing the vegetables. Use olive oil if you prefer.
- Chicken stock - for liquid and flavor.
- Vinegar-based BBQ Sauce - I would usually suggest a substitute, but not in this case. The vinegar-based sauce would be looser in this recipe and taste amazing with this stew. I would avoid thick or sweet BBQ sauces.
- Granulated sugar - to balance the acidity in the BBQ sauce.
Essential Tools
- Large heavy-bottomed pot/Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Chef's knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Airtight containers or freezer-safe jars (for storing leftovers)
How to make Brunswick stew
Gather your ingredients.
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients to the pot and stir. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer.
Reduce the heat and simmer on medium-low for 30-40 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and enjoy your stew.
Where does Brunswick stew come from?
This is a traditional Southern stew that makes the most of what you have in your pantry. Traditionally made with small game, such as squirrel or rabbit, it's tomato-based and features beans and vegetables. I love it with leftover pulled pork, and chicken works great too. You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit what you have to hand. BBQ sauce makes this stew stand out from the crowd.
Can you make it ahead of time?
This is a great make-ahead stew that's also freezer-friendly. Once made, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring until heated through.
What do you serve it with?
A big bowl of this Brunswick stew is so hearty and filling, but it's great served alongside other Southern favorites like:
Tanya's Notes and Tips
- Your stew will taste similar to the BBQ sauce you choose to use. I prefer to use a homemade vinegar-based BBQ sauce, but any store brand will work just as well.
- You can easily add different vegetables and beans to suit your taste and save yourself a shopping trip!
- Stir the stew occasionally as it simmers so that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
More Stews and Chilis
Brunswick Stew
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until translucent, about 3-5 minutes
- Add remaining ingredients to the pot and stir. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer.
- Reduce Heat and Simmer on medium-low for 30-40 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
Notes
- Your stew will taste similar to the BBQ sauce you choose to use. I like to use a homemade vinegar based bbq sauce but your favorite store brand will work too.
- You can easily add in different vegetables and beans to suit your tastes and to save you a shopping trip!
- Stir the stew occasionally as it simmers so that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!This post was originally published on November 8, 2021. It has been updated with additional helpful information.
Robert Anthony Moore says
Wonderful and full flavored!
TYRONE E PARKER says
I am leaning towards meat (protein) substitutes can I use some other protein instead of smoked meat. I will try smoked chicken if all else fails.
Wray says
Hello Tanya,
The biggest Pot I have in my humble kitchen is the Pot in my pressure Cooker. Can that be used to cook the stew on Saute mode? Also, can you use a pressure cooker to cook the stew as well? If so, what would my times to set to?
Tanya says
Hi Wray, you can use the sauté mode to cook the soup. Pressure cooking should work fine (I haven't tested it) but I would pressure cook it for about 10 minutes on high pressure (your pressure cooker may take a while to come to pressure based on the amount of liquid in the pot) and then naturally release for at least 10 minutes before quick releasing the remaining pressure.