If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that bursts with flavor and tradition, this Hearty Kentucky Burgoo Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a rustic, slow-simmered stew brimming with tender cuts of beef, pork, and chicken, combined with vibrant vegetables that create a rich and satisfying meal. Every spoonful tells a story of Southern hospitality, showcasing a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a communal meal with loved ones, this stew fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your heart with pure comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret behind the incredible depth of flavor in this stew. Each component, from the variety of meats to the colorful veggies, plays a crucial role in building that hearty, soul-warming character.
- 1 lb beef stew meat (cubed): Provides rich, beefy flavor and tender chunks after slow cooking.
- 1 lb pork shoulder (cubed): Adds a juicy, slightly fatty texture that enriches the stew’s mouthfeel.
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breast (cut into chunks): Infuses a delicate flavor and balance to the meat mix.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Perfect for browning meats and sautéing onions, creating a flavorful base.
- 1 large onion (chopped): Brings natural sweetness and depth.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Adds an aromatic punch that elevates the stew.
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth: The savory liquid foundation that carries all the flavors.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices): Offers acidity and subtle sweetness to balance richness.
- 1½ cups frozen lima beans: Introduces a creamy texture and gentle earthiness.
- 1½ cups frozen corn: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 cups diced potatoes: Provides heartiness and soaks up the stew’s essence.
- 1½ cups sliced carrots: Lend a natural sweetness and bright orange hue.
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage: Adds slight crunch and mild bitterness to balance flavors.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami and depth with a subtle tang.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Imparts a warm, smoky background note.
- ½ tsp dried thyme: Offers herbal fragrance that complements the meat and vegetables.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for maximizing flavor.
- Hot sauce (optional, to serve): Adds a personalized kick of heat if you like a little spice.
How to Make Hearty Kentucky Burgoo Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meats
First, heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef and pork cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches until they develop a rich, caramelized crust. This step locks in the flavors and creates a deeply savory foundation for the stew. Once browned, remove the meats and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same pot, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about three minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This process pulls out their natural sweetness and ensures that every layer of the stew has a wonderful aromatic base to build on.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer Meats and Broth
Return the browned beef and pork to the pot, then add the chicken pieces. Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes with their juices, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 45 minutes to allow the meats to tenderize and flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Continue Cooking
After the initial simmer, add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, lima beans, corn, and shredded cabbage. Simmer the stew uncovered for another 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the vegetables to soften perfectly and the stew to thicken, creating that classic hearty texture Burgoo is known for.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Give the stew a final taste, adjusting salt and black pepper as needed. If you’re a fan of a little extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce to bring a lively zip that complements the rich and smoky flavors. Your Hearty Kentucky Burgoo Stew Recipe is now ready to warm you up!
How to Serve Hearty Kentucky Burgoo Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can turn this stew into a feast for the eyes and palate. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
A classic pairing with this stew is warm cornbread or buttery crackers. Both add a comforting crunch and help soak up every last drop of the flavorful broth, making each bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the stew in rustic bowls with a small ramekin of hot sauce on the side. If you’re hosting, consider topping with a dollop of sour cream or shredded sharp cheddar cheese to add a creamy contrast. These little touches invite everyone to customize their bowl just the way they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Hearty Kentucky Burgoo Stew Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for quick meals during the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep this stew longer, transfer cooled stew into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a convenient, comforting dinner anytime.
Reheating
Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a bit of broth or water if it seems too thick. Microwave reheating is also fine—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring between.
FAQs
Can I use other meats in this stew?
Absolutely! The beauty of the Hearty Kentucky Burgoo Stew Recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to swap or add meats like lamb, turkey, or even game meats to tailor the stew to your taste.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t call for any wheat-based thickeners or ingredients. Just double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free if that’s a concern.
How thick should the stew be?
The stew should have a thick, stew-like consistency—rich and hearty but still spoonable. Cooking uncovered towards the end helps reduce excess liquid to get that perfect texture.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the meats and sauté aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the meat is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the meat?
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist. Stir occasionally and avoid high heat, which can toughen the meat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Hearty Kentucky Burgoo Stew Recipe a try—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl that brings friends and family together. The ease of the ingredients, the rich layering of flavors, and the comforting textures make it a true Southern classic worth savoring over and over. So grab your pot, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a stew that feels like home.
Print
Hearty Kentucky Burgoo Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American (Southern)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Burgoo is a traditional Kentucky stew known for its hearty combination of multiple meats and seasonal vegetables. This comforting Southern dish features tender beef, pork, and chicken simmered with a medley of fresh produce and flavorful spices, resulting in a rich, thick stew perfect for sharing on a cozy day.
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cubed
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into chunks
Vegetables & Others
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1½ cups frozen lima beans
- 1½ cups frozen corn
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1½ cups sliced carrots
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Hot sauce (optional, to serve)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef and pork in batches, seasoning each batch with salt and pepper, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the browned beef and pork to the pot along with the chicken pieces. Add the broth, diced tomatoes with juices, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 45 minutes to meld flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Add Vegetables and Continue Simmering: Stir in diced potatoes, sliced carrots, lima beans, corn, and shredded cabbage. Simmer uncovered for an additional 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the meat is tender and the stew thickens slightly.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Add a dash of hot sauce if desired. Serve the burgoo hot in bowls alongside cornbread or crackers for a classic Southern meal.
Notes
- Burgoo can be customized with various meats and seasonal vegetables based on availability.
- The flavors deepen and improve when reheated the next day, making it excellent for leftovers.
- For thicker stew, simmer uncovered longer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve with traditional Southern sides like cornbread or crackers for authenticity.
