Name: The Best Brunswick Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups cooked, shredded pork (or pork/beef mix); 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 2 cups chicken or beef broth; 1 cup barbecue sauce; 2 cups frozen corn; 1 cup diced potatoes; 1 cup sliced carrots; 1 cup diced celery; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish; Tools:; Large stockpot or Dutch oven; Sharp knife and cutting board; Wooden spoon or spatula

The Best Brunswick Stew

When the air gets crisp and life feels like it’s moving a mile a minute, there’s nothing better than settling down with a warm, hearty meal that brings the family together. Brunswick Stew has been a staple in my household for years, and for good reason. It’s the perfect blend of tender shredded meat, rich tomato-based broth, and hearty vegetables, creating a dish that warms the soul as much as it fills the belly.

I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was searching for a way to use up leftover meats and wanted something more exciting than the usual casseroles. To my delight, this stew quickly became a family favorite. What I love most is how versatile it is—it’s perfect for busy weeknights or slow weekend dinners, and the leftovers taste even better the next day.

One of my proudest mom moments came when my notoriously picky eater declared, “This is the best dinner ever!” after taking his first bite. Moments like that remind me why I love cooking for my family so much. There’s something magical about the way this stew brings us all to the table, even on the most hectic of days. Whether we’re sharing stories about our day or planning for the weekend, Brunswick Stew has become more than just a meal—it’s a tradition. I hope it becomes one for your family too.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use other meats in this stew?
Absolutely! Traditional Brunswick Stew often uses a mix of chicken, pork, and sometimes beef. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand or prefer. Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, Brunswick Stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Definitely. You can freeze Brunswick Stew for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How can I make this stew spicier?
If you’re a fan of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, some diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce.

What’s the best way to thicken the stew?
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

What You Need to Make Brunswick Stew

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups cooked, shredded pork (or pork/beef mix)

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

2 cups chicken or beef broth

1 cup barbecue sauce

2 cups frozen corn

1 cup diced potatoes

1 cup sliced carrots

1 cup diced celery

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Tools:

Large stockpot or Dutch oven

Sharp knife and cutting board

Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Brunswick Stew

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Build the Base: Add the shredded meat to the pot and stir well. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and barbecue sauce. Mix until everything is well combined.

Add the Vegetables: Stir in the corn, potatoes, carrots, and celery. Season with Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.

Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Best Brunswick Stew

Use a mix of meats: Combining pork and beef gives the stew a richer, more complex flavor.

Don’t rush the simmering: Letting the stew simmer allows the flavors to develop fully.

Customize the veggies: Add green beans, lima beans, or okra for more variety.

Taste as you go: Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your family’s preferences.

Serve with toppings: A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese can add extra richness.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for busy weeknights!” This stew is a lifesaver on hectic evenings. The whole family loves it, and it’s so easy to make.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Even better the next day.” The leftovers were amazing. I froze some for later, and it reheated beautifully.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Tasty but needed more spice.” It was delicious, but next time I’ll add some cayenne pepper for extra kick.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A new family favorite!” My kids can be picky, but they devoured this stew. Definitely adding it to our rotation.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great, but I substituted some ingredients.” I used sweet potatoes instead of regular ones, and it worked really well. A great base recipe!

Printable Recipe

Before you print the recipe, could I ask you a favor? Please consider sharing this recipe on Facebook or pin to a group on Pinterest? This would really help us out. Thank you so much <3