This Brunswick Stew recipe is a thick, barbecue-flavored stew made with ground beef, potatoes, corn, beans, and tomatoes. It’s an incredibly hearty and delicious meal, perfect for a cozy evening!

The Ultimate Brunswick Stew Recipe: A Hearty Southern Classic

A Controversial History: The Origins of Brunswick Stew

Steeped in rich Southern tradition and, surprisingly, a good deal of controversy, Brunswick Stew holds a special place in American culinary history. The tale often told begins in Brunswick County, Virginia, where many locals proudly claim its invention. They will recount stories of early settlers creating a thick, nourishing stew from local game, vegetables, and a flavorful broth to sustain themselves through harsh winters. Indeed, a large iron pot, said to have cooked the first Brunswick Stew in 1828, is proudly displayed in Brunswick County, solidifying Virginia’s claim to this iconic dish.

However, venture further south, and you’ll find passionate Georgians who wholeheartedly believe the stew originated in their own Brunswick, Georgia. Their narrative often features early 19th-century riverboat cooks or plantation chefs preparing a similar hearty concoction. While both states fiercely defend their heritage, conclusive evidence proving one origin over the other remains elusive. This friendly rivalry only adds to the mystique and charm of Brunswick Stew, highlighting its deep roots in Southern culture. Regardless of its exact birthplace, one thing is certain: this beloved stew has evolved over generations, with countless regional variations emerging, each adding its unique touch to the classic recipe. Whether you side with Virginia or Georgia, the undeniable truth is that Brunswick Stew, in all its forms, is simply delicious!

Looking down on a bowl of Brunswick Stew.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brunswick Stew

What is Brunswick Stew?

Brunswick Stew is a robust, tomato-based stew renowned for its smoky, barbecue-infused flavor profile. Unlike many other stews, its distinct character comes from the generous addition of barbecue sauce, which perfectly complements the medley of different meats and vegetables typically found within. It’s a thick, satisfying meal, often featuring a blend of ground beef, chicken, or pulled pork, combined with staple vegetables like potatoes, corn, and various beans. This combination of hearty ingredients and its signature smoky tang truly sets it apart from traditional meat and vegetable soups.

What other vegetables can I add to Brunswick Stew?

While our recipe features classic vegetables, Brunswick Stew is incredibly versatile! If you’re a fan of okra, it’s a fantastic addition that brings a unique texture and flavor; simply add it during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering. Other popular choices include lima beans (often found in traditional recipes), cut green beans, or even diced carrots for added sweetness and color. Feel free to experiment with what your family enjoys or what you have on hand – that’s part of the beauty of this rustic dish.

Can I make Brunswick Stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Converting this stovetop Brunswick Stew recipe to a slow cooker version is incredibly easy and perfect for busy days. First, brown the ground beef and dice the onion as directed. Once the beef is cooked through and the grease is drained, transfer the beef and onion to your slow cooker. Then, add all remaining ingredients to the slow cooker, stir everything together, and cover with the lid. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the potatoes and other vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. The slow cooker method often results in an even deeper, richer flavor.

What should I serve with Brunswick Stew?

Brunswick Stew is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a truly Southern experience, serve it alongside warm, buttery cornbread or fluffy biscuits, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth. A scoop of cooked white rice at the bottom of the bowl is another excellent option for added heartiness. For lighter accompaniments, crusty bread or crackers are always a good choice, and a crisp green salad or coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the stew’s richness.

Can I swap out the beef in Brunswick Stew?

Yes, swapping out the meat is a common practice and one of the defining characteristics of authentic Brunswick Stew variations. Many traditional recipes feature a mix of meats. Leftover pulled pork is a fantastic substitute, often found in Virginia-style Brunswick Stew, lending a deep smoky flavor. You could also use cooked shredded chicken, ground chicken, ground pork, or even ground turkey for a lighter alternative. If you opt for chicken or other white meat, we recommend using chicken broth instead of beef broth to complement the flavor profile.

What’s the best way to keep this stew warm?

If you’re serving Brunswick Stew for a gathering or want to keep it warm for an extended period, a large slow cooker (like a 7-quart model) is your best friend. Once the stew is fully cooked on the stovetop, simply transfer it to your slow cooker set to the “warm” setting. This will keep the stew at a perfect serving temperature without overcooking it, allowing guests to serve themselves as needed.

Can you freeze leftover Brunswick Stew?

Brunswick Stew freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying later. Once the stew has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure there’s minimal air in the containers to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly warm. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick after thawing.

A pot of Brunswick Stew and a ladle holding a serving.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Brunswick Stew

Crafting a memorable Brunswick Stew begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the stew’s signature depth of flavor and hearty texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: This recipe calls for two pounds of ground beef, providing a substantial base for the stew. For a slightly different, yet equally authentic, Southern flavor, consider using cooked pulled pork. It’s a common variation, particularly in Virginia-style Brunswick Stew. If you prefer a less meat-heavy stew, one pound of ground beef is often sufficient.
Onion: A diced medium onion provides aromatic depth and a subtle sweetness that forms the foundation of the stew’s flavor. It’s sautéed with the beef to create a rich base.
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are preferred for their smooth, consistent texture, which blends seamlessly into the stew. While canned diced tomatoes can be used, crushed tomatoes contribute to the stew’s characteristic thickness and unified flavor without large chunks.
Barbecue Sauce: This is the secret ingredient that gives Brunswick Stew its unmistakable barbecue-flavored kick. Use your favorite brand, or for an truly exceptional taste, try a Homemade Barbecue Sauce. The type of BBQ sauce (tangy, sweet, or spicy) will significantly influence the final flavor, so choose wisely!
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this stew. Their starchy texture breaks down slightly as they cook, helping to thicken the stew while still holding their shape. Red potatoes are a bit too waxy for this application, but can be used if preferred, though the stew may not be as thick.
Canned Corn: Sweet corn adds a touch of sweetness and bursts of texture. Canned corn, drained well, is convenient, but you can certainly substitute with frozen or fresh corn kernels when in season for an even brighter flavor.
Canned Northern Beans: These white beans contribute to the stew’s hearty consistency and provide a creamy texture. If northern beans aren’t available, pinto beans can be doubled, or you can use another preferred bean type like cannellini beans. Ensure they are drained and rinsed before adding.
Canned Pinto Beans: Pinto beans are another Southern staple that add to the stew’s robust texture and earthy flavor. As with other beans, feel free to adapt to your preference if another bean type is a family favorite.
Beef Broth: Beef broth forms the liquid base of the stew, infusing it with savory beef flavor. Beef stock can be used interchangeably if needed. If you’re mindful of sodium intake, opt for low or no-sodium broth, as you can always adjust the seasoning with additional salt later to taste. For a white meat variation, chicken broth would be a suitable substitute.

Ground beef, onion, potatoes, crushed tomatoes, bbq sauce, corn, pinto beans, northern beams and beef browh.

How to Make Classic Brunswick Stew

Creating this hearty Brunswick Stew is a straightforward process, yielding incredibly satisfying results. Follow these simple steps for a truly comforting meal:

Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot or Dutch oven, brown and crumble two pounds of ground beef over medium heat. Add one medium diced onion to the pot and cook until it softens and the ground beef is no longer pink. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base. Once the meat is thoroughly cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot to prevent the stew from becoming oily.
Combine Remaining Ingredients: Return the browned ground beef and softened onion to the pot. Now, begin adding the other core ingredients: the 20-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, the 15-ounce can of undrained pinto beans, the 15-ounce can of northern beans (drained and rinsed), and the two 15-ounce cans of corn (drained well). Stir these ingredients gently to combine.
Add Liquids and Potatoes: Pour in the 5 cups of beef broth, ensuring all ingredients are adequately moistened. Next, add the two peeled and cubed russet potatoes and the 18-ounce bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce. Give everything a good, thorough stir to ensure all the flavors are well distributed.
Simmer to Perfection: Cover the pot with a lid and bring the stew to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for approximately 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The stew will thicken as it simmers, and the flavors will meld beautifully.

Serve your piping hot Brunswick Stew with your favorite accompaniments, and enjoy this comforting Southern classic!

Craving More Hearty Stew Recipes?

If you love the warmth and comfort of a good stew, explore these other delicious recipes:

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew
Best Ever Beef Stew (stovetop version)
Creamy Chicken Stew
Crock Pot Beef Stew
Chicken Noodle Stew
Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew
Crock Pot Tortellini Stew
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Hamburger Hash Soup
Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup
Kielbasa Corn Chowder

Originally published: November 2012
Updated photos & republished: December 2024

Brunswick Stew (+Video)

This Brunswick Stew recipe is a thick barbecue-flavored stew made with ground beef, potatoes, corn, beans and tomatoes.

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars based on 28 reviews

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Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 12

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef (see notes below)
1 medium onion, diced
20 ounce can crushed tomatoes
15 ounce can pinto beans, undrained
15 ounce can northern beans, drained and rinsed
2 (15 ounce) cans corn, drained well
5 cups beef broth (use low or no sodium if needed)
2 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
18 ounce bottle barbecue sauce

Instructions

In a large stock pot, brown and crumble 2 pounds ground beef along with 1 medium onion, diced over medium heat. When the ground beef is cooked, drain excess grease.
Put ground beef back into large pot.
Add in 20 ounce can crushed tomatoes, 15 ounce can pinto beans, undrained, 15 ounce can northern beans, drained and rinsed and 2 (15 ounce) cans corn, drained well.
Next add 5 cups beef broth along with 2 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed and 18 ounce bottle barbecue sauce.
Give it all a good stir.
Cover pot and simmer on medium heat for about 30 minutes or so (until the potatoes are fork tender).

Video

Notes

Please refer to the FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
If you don’t want this as beefy, you can just use one pound of ground beef or cooked pulled pork.

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.