Hearty Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe

Cozy Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe For Cold Nights

Brunswick stew embodies a hearty Southern symphony of flavors that dances between tradition and comfort.

This legendary pot of deliciousness brings together tender meats, vibrant vegetables, and generations of culinary wisdom.

Regional chefs have long celebrated its versatility, transforming humble ingredients into a soul-warming masterpiece.

Smoky undertones mingle with rich protein combinations, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Every spoonful carries whispers of old family recipes and weekend gatherings.

The stew’s complex layers tell stories of resourceful cooks who knew how to craft magic from simple ingredients.

Experience a taste of Southern hospitality that will make your taste buds sing with pure, unapologetic joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 11

Everything That Goes Into Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe

For Aromatic Base:
  • Onion: Select a firm, glossy bulb without soft spots for maximum flavor punch.
  • Celery: Choose crisp stalks with bright green color and no wilting edges.
For Protein Components:
  • Ground Pork, Ground Beef: Opt for fresh meat with minimal fat marbling for balanced texture.
  • Shredded Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked meat for tender, succulent results.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chopped Tomatoes: Pick ripe canned tomatoes with rich, deep color and minimal additives.
  • Ketchup, Barbecue Sauce, Hot Sauce: Select high-quality, small-batch brands for complex flavor layers.
  • Salt, Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for vibrant seasoning.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Select a firm, glossy pepper without blemishes or soft spots.
  • Cream-Style Corn: Choose a brand with minimal preservatives and natural ingredients.
  • Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for rich, robust base flavor.

Items You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe

  • Large Pot: Spacious, heavy-bottomed cookware perfect for slow-cooking and developing deep flavors.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions, celery, and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable and pepper cutting.
  • Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot.
  • Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurately seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Can Opener: Needed to open tomato and corn cans smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups: Helpful for tracking sauce quantities like ketchup and barbecue sauce.
  • Colander: Optional for draining any excess liquid if needed.

Process to Complete Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe

Process to Complete Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe
  • Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot, creating a sizzling foundation for your mouthwatering stew. Toss in chopped onions and celery, letting them dance and caramelize until they release their sweet, aromatic magic.

  • Transform the Meat

Introduce ground pork and beef into the pot, stirring and browning them until they develop a rich, golden exterior. The searing process locks in incredible depth of flavor that will make taste buds sing.

  • Build the Stew's Soul

Blend shredded chicken, chopped tomatoes, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce into the mix. Drop in a whole green bell pepper for an extra layer of complexity. Season with salt and pepper, creating a symphony of tastes that meld together perfectly.

  • Slow Cook to Perfection

Reduce heat and let the stew simmer lazily for several hours. Occasionally stir to prevent sticking and allow flavors to intertwine and develop a robust, hearty character. The slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

  • Final Touch and Serve

Stir in cream-style corn during the last hour of cooking, giving the stew a creamy texture and sweet undertone. Decide the fate of the green pepper – remove, chop, or discard based on your preference. Ladle into bowls and savor the comforting, rich flavors of this classic Southern-style stew.

Creative Variations for Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe

Creative Variations for Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe

Explore exciting ways to make this classic dish uniquely yours.

Kick the heat level by adding cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste buds’ desire.

Swap or mix meats for a personalized twist. Try pulled chicken, smoked turkey, or even lamb for an unexpected flavor profile. Wild game meats like rabbit or venison work wonderfully too.

Experiment with different corn styles – fresh corn kernels, different corn varieties, or even grilled corn can add unexpected texture and sweetness to the stew.

This stew tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for a quick future meal that develops deeper, richer flavors over time.

Perfect Pairings for Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe

  • Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a warm, rustic baguette or cornbread to soak up the rich, savory stew and capture every delicious drop.
  • Top with Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream to add brightness and creamy contrast to the hearty stew.
  • Serve as a Complete Meal: Complement the stew with a simple side salad dressed in light vinaigrette or coleslaw for a balanced and satisfying dinner experience.
  • Create a Comfort Food Combo: Enjoy alongside crispy buttermilk biscuits or fluffy white rice to make this Brunswick stew a truly filling and comforting meal.

How to Store Leftovers from Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe

  • Preserve Peak Flavor: Store the Brunswick stew in airtight containers, keeping the robust taste locked inside for future enjoyment.
  • Refrigeration Rhythm: Cool the stew completely within 2 hours of cooking, then transfer to sealed containers where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion the stew into individual freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen stew maintains its delicious quality for up to 3 months, providing quick comfort meals whenever needed.
  • Reheating Magic: Thaw refrigerated or frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth if the consistency seems too thick, ensuring the stew remains moist and flavorful during rewarming.
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Hearty Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe

Hearty Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick stew combines hearty chicken, tender pork, and zesty barbecue sauce in a comforting Southern classic. Home cooks will savor this rich, satisfying one-pot meal that brings Southern kitchen warmth to dinner tables.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground pork
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 3 lbs whole cooked chicken, deboned and shredded
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper
  • 3 (14.5 oz / 411 g) cans whole peeled tomatoes with liquid, chopped
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 0.5 cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
  • 3 (14.75 oz / 418 g) cans cream style corn
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp hot sauce to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat, introducing diced onions and celery. Allow vegetables to soften and become translucent, releasing their aromatic essence for about 5 minutes.
  2. Protein Integration: Add ground pork and beef to the vegetable base, methodically breaking down the meats while stirring until they transition from pink to a uniform brown color, approximately 10 minutes of consistent cooking.
  3. Flavor Layering: Fold in shredded chicken, chopped tomatoes, ketchup, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Simultaneously incorporate a whole green bell pepper to enhance the stew’s complexity.
  4. Simmering Process: Reduce heat to lowest setting, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and concentrate flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and promote even thickness over 2 hours.
  5. Final Refinement: Introduce creamy corn during the last hour of cooking, continuing the slow simmering process. Remove or chop the green pepper according to preference before serving, ensuring the stew reaches a rich, thick consistency.

Notes

  • Meat Mixing Magic: Combine ground pork and beef thoroughly to create a rich, layered protein base that ensures deep flavor development.
  • Slow Simmer Technique: Keep heat extremely low to allow flavors to meld and develop complexity, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and promote even cooking.
  • Texture Transformation: Allow stew to reduce significantly over 2-3 hours, concentrating flavors and creating a thick, hearty consistency that defines traditional Brunswick stew.
  • Corn Control: Add corn towards the end of cooking to maintain its fresh texture and prevent overcooking, which can make the stew mushy and less appealing.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing, Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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