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
Scale
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.
