Easy Brunswick Stew Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl (Ready in Under an Hour!)

Brunswick Stew. Just the name conjures up images of cozy evenings, crackling fireplaces, and the rich, smoky aroma of a hearty, comforting meal. This classic Southern dish is a celebration of flavors, a beautiful blend of tender meats, vegetables, and a tangy, slightly sweet tomato-based broth. But let’s be honest, some Brunswick Stew recipes can be intimidating, requiring hours of simmering and a laundry list of ingredients. Fear not! This recipe delivers all the soul-satisfying goodness of traditional Brunswick Stew, but with a simplified approach that gets it on your table in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend gathering, this easy Brunswick Stew will become a new family favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

This isn’t your grandmother’s all-day simmering Brunswick Stew, but it doesn’t skimp on flavor. Here’s why this recipe is a winner:

• Speed & Simplicity: We use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and frozen vegetables to significantly cut down on prep and cook time.
• Flavor Bomb: Smoked sausage adds a depth of smoky flavor that mimics the slow-cooked traditional versions.
• Customizable: This recipe is a great base! Feel free to adjust the vegetables and seasonings to your liking. Add more heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or swap out the chicken for leftover pulled pork.
• Foolproof: The straightforward instructions and readily available ingredients make this recipe virtually foolproof, even for beginner cooks.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze it for future quick and easy meals.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen lima beans
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen okra (optional)
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional, for added sweetness and tang)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
2. Build the Flavor Base: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and black pepper. Season with salt to taste.
4. Simmer the Broth: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Add the Chicken and Vegetables: Stir in the cooked chicken, smoked sausage, frozen corn, frozen lima beans, and frozen okra (if using).
6. Continue Simmering: Return the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened slightly.
7. Adjust and Serve: Stir in the barbecue sauce (if using) and taste. Adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or barbecue sauce to your liking. Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Smoked Sausage: The smoked sausage is crucial for adding that signature smoky flavor to the stew. Choose a high-quality sausage for the best results. Andouille sausage also works well.
• Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash a handful of the lima beans or corn with a fork before adding them to the pot. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as diced potatoes, carrots, or green beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Use Quality Broth: The quality of your chicken broth will impact the overall flavor of the stew. Use a low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
• Let it Rest: Like many stews, Brunswick Stew tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld and deepen.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Allow the Brunswick Stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little extra broth if the stew has thickened too much during storage. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

FAQ

Q: Can I use different types of meat?

A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for chicken, you can easily substitute it with leftover pulled pork, shredded turkey, or even a combination of meats. Just be sure the meat is already cooked before adding it to the stew.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! Sauté the sausage and onions as directed in step 1 and 2. Then, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken (if using a whole chicken instead of rotisserie) before serving.

Q: I don’t like lima beans. Can I leave them out?

A: Of course! Feel free to omit the lima beans or substitute them with another vegetable you enjoy, such as diced potatoes or green beans.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?

A: While Brunswick Stew is traditionally a meat-based dish, you can adapt it to be vegetarian by omitting the chicken and sausage. Add extra vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms, to compensate. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor.

Q: What should I serve with Brunswick Stew?

A: Brunswick Stew is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with cornbread, biscuits, or a side salad. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley also makes a nice garnish.

Conclusion

So there you have it – an easy Brunswick Stew recipe that’s big on flavor and short on time. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the taste of classic Southern comfort food but doesn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and get ready to enjoy a hearty and delicious meal that will warm you from the inside out. This Brunswick Stew is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a celebration of simple ingredients, and a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Enjoy!