Brunswick Stew Recipe Crockpot: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Imagine coming home on a chilly evening to the aroma of smoky, savory goodness wafting through your house. That’s the magic of Brunswick stew, a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in. And with this slow cooker recipe, it’s never been easier to make! This Brunswick stew is packed with tender, shredded meat, a medley of vegetables, and a tangy, slightly sweet tomato-based broth. It’s the epitome of Southern comfort food, and the crockpot does all the heavy lifting. Forget standing over a hot stove – simply toss everything in, set it, and forget it. This recipe brings the authentic taste of Brunswick stew to your table with minimal effort. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

Why This Recipe Works

This crockpot Brunswick stew recipe is a winner for several reasons:

• Ease of Preparation: The slow cooker does all the work! Just dump the ingredients in, and let it simmer. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Deep, Rich Flavor: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a complex and satisfying taste. The combination of smoked meat, vegetables, and spices creates a symphony of flavor that’s truly irresistible.
• Customizable: This recipe is a great base, but you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Add more vegetables, swap out the meats, or adjust the spice level to your liking.
• Budget-Friendly: Brunswick stew is a great way to use up leftover cooked meats and vegetables. It’s also a relatively inexpensive meal to make, especially when feeding a large group.
• Freezer-Friendly: Brunswick stew freezes beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option. Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for easy lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked and shredded pork shoulder (pulled pork is perfect)
• 1 pound cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen lima beans
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind!)
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large crockpot, combine the shredded pork, shredded chicken, sliced sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, lima beans, chicken broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Stir Well: Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure the meats and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the tomato-based mixture.
3. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
4. Shred and Stir (Optional): After cooking, you can use two forks to shred the sausage even further, if desired. This will help it blend in more with the other ingredients. Stir the stew well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, barbecue sauce, or cayenne pepper to your liking.
6. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped green onions, hot sauce, or a dollop of sour cream. Cornbread or crackers are also a great accompaniment.

Tips for Success

• Use Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your Brunswick stew. Choose high-quality meats and fresh vegetables whenever possible.
• Don’t Skip the Smoked Meat: The smoked sausage adds a crucial layer of smoky flavor that is essential to Brunswick stew.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can always add more later if needed.
• Don’t Overcook: While slow cooking is forgiving, overcooking can result in mushy vegetables. Check the stew periodically and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Let it Simmer: The longer the stew simmers, the better the flavor will be. If you have the time, cook it on low for the full 8 hours.
• Thicken if Needed: If your stew is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water during the last hour of cooking.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Allow the Brunswick stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: Allow the Brunswick stew to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers, as the stew will expand when frozen. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the stew to the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

FAQ

Can I use different meats?

Absolutely! Brunswick stew is traditionally made with a variety of meats. You can substitute the pork or chicken with beef brisket, venison, or even rabbit. Just make sure the meat is cooked and shredded before adding it to the crockpot.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced potatoes, carrots, or green beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this vegetarian?

While Brunswick stew is traditionally made with meat, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting the meats with hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add a touch of liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat Brunswick stew?

You can reheat Brunswick stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Brunswick stew is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can make it a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Conclusion

This crockpot Brunswick stew recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, tailgating at a football game, or simply looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this stew is sure to hit the spot. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern comfort! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family – they’ll thank you for it!