Authentic Brunswick Stew Recipe — Southern-Style Comfort Stew

There’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, hearty stew—especially in the cooler months. This Brunswick Stew is a well-rounded, flavorful bowl of comfort you’ll want to make all season long.

What is Brunswick Stew?

Brunswick Stew dates back to the 1800s, and both Brunswick, Georgia and Brunswick County, Virginia claim to be its birthplace. The original stew used small game such as squirrel or rabbit, though modern versions typically feature chicken or turkey with pulled pork.

Today’s Brunswick Stew is a tomato-based pot simmered with shredded poultry, pulled pork, vegetables and seasonings for a rich, savory result.

While Southern tradition often includes corn and lima beans, the best part of Brunswick Stew is its flexibility—use what you have and swap ingredients as needed.

This stew pairs beautifully with cornbread, corn pudding casserole, or fluffy buttermilk biscuits, and it’s commonly served as a side at BBQ restaurants. It’s also an excellent way to use leftover pulled pork or turkey after holiday meals.

Why You’ll Love It

• Use up leftovers – a great way to stretch ingredients and reduce waste.
• Versatile – substitute meats and vegetables based on what you have on hand.
• Quick to prepare – you can have a hearty pot on the table in under an hour, including prep time.

Ingredient Notes

• Oil and butter – olive oil plus a bit of butter adds depth and richness.
• Onion – white or red both work; dice for sautéing.
• Garlic and seasonings – fresh minced garlic, salt and pepper keep flavors bright.
• Cooked meats – shredded turkey or chicken and pulled pork give the stew body and flavor.
• Beans – frozen lima or butter beans are ideal for texture and creaminess.
• Corn – fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels both work well.
• Broth – use chicken or vegetable broth, and watch added salt.
• Tomato base – a combination of canned diced tomatoes and ketchup or tomato sauce creates the classic flavor.
• BBQ sauce – adds smoky sweetness; choose your favorite style.
• Heat – optional hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Gather your pantry ingredients and leftovers, and you’ll be ready to make an easy, satisfying pot of Brunswick Stew.

How To Make Brunswick Stew

Full ingredient amounts and detailed steps are in the recipe card below.

1. Heat oil and butter in a dutch oven and sauté the diced onion until soft.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to release aroma.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken or turkey, pulled pork, lima beans, corn, broth, diced tomatoes, ketchup, BBQ sauce, hot sauce (optional), salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 35–40 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings, then serve hot.

Easy Brunswick Stew Recipe Tips

• You can use frozen meat if thawed overnight in the refrigerator first.
• Pre-cooked or leftover lima beans work fine.
• Add cooked potatoes to thicken the stew and add heartiness.
• Pick a BBQ sauce that matches the flavor profile you prefer—sweet, tangy, or spicy.

Delicious Variations

This Southern-style stew adapts easily. Try these ideas:

• Swap the meat – ground beef, shredded roast beef, or diced ham.
• Add more vegetables – carrots, peas, or celery for extra color and nutrition.
• Fresh herbs – rosemary, thyme, or oregano brighten the flavor.

Prep Ahead and Storage

Brunswick Stew often tastes even better the next day as flavors meld, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.

• Prep ahead – cook the stew and refrigerate or freeze for later meals.
• Refrigerate – store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze – cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags; label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Do I have to use leftover meat?

Leftovers are perfect for this stew, but you can also cook fresh meat specifically for the recipe. Rotisserie chicken and store-bought pulled pork are convenient options.

Can I make Brunswick Stew in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sauté onion and garlic first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–8 hours for a hands-off meal.

Can I cook Brunswick Stew for a crowd?

Absolutely—this recipe scales easily. Double or triple quantities to serve larger groups.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with scalloped corn or a corn pudding casserole.
• Pair with Southern coleslaw for a crisp contrast.
• Finish the meal with a classic Southern banana pudding cake for dessert.
• Smothered potatoes or warm cornbread are also excellent accompaniments.

More Southern Recipes

Explore other Southern favorites to complement this stew, such as walking taco casserole, oxtail stew, squash casserole, smothered pork chops, red beans and rice, and classic casseroles.

Tools Needed

• Large dutch oven or heavy pot.
• Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A sharp knife and cutting board for prep.

Weight Watchers Points

One serving of this Brunswick Stew is listed as 7 Blue Plan SmartPoints.

Thank you for reading this Easy Brunswick Stew recipe. I hope it becomes a cozy favorite in your kitchen—perfect for using leftovers, feeding a crowd, or making ahead for busy days.

Get The Brunswick Stew Recipe:

Don’t forget to tag #recipesfromapantry if you make Easy Brunswick Stew—I’d love to see your version.

Easy Brunswick Stew

Brunswick Stew is a flavorful, well-rounded meal served in a bowl.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time40 mins

Servings: 8

Calories: 269 kcal

Author: Bintu Hardy

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 pound (225g) cooked chicken or turkey, diced
• 1/2 pound (225g) cooked pulled pork
• 1 1/2 cups (270g) frozen lima beans or butter beans
• 1 cup (225g) sweet corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• 1 2/3 cups (380ml) chicken broth
• 14 oz (400g) canned diced tomatoes
• 2/3 cup (160ml) ketchup or tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (125ml) BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon Frank’s hot sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil and butter in a dutch oven and sauté the onion until soft.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add the chicken or turkey, pulled pork, lima beans, corn, broth, diced tomatoes, ketchup, BBQ sauce, hot sauce (if using), salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer, partially covered, for 35–40 minutes.
5. Adjust seasonings and serve hot.

Notes

• Frozen meat should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before use.
• Leftover or pre-cooked lima beans are fine to use.
• Cooked potatoes can be added to thicken the stew.
• Choose a BBQ sauce to match your preferred flavor—sweet, tangy, or spicy.

There are 7 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 269 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Protein: 16 g | Fat: 11 g