Do you feel like something warm and comforting to eat but need more time to make a lengthy dish? Then look no further than The Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew recipe. This delicious stew is flavorful and easy enough for anyone to whip up in under an hour with ingredients you likely already have. Its unique blend of seasonings makes it perfect for cold winter nights when all you want is comfort food without too much fuss. So get ready for some old-fashioned cooking that will bring smiles (and full bellies) around the dinner table.
What exactly is Brunswick Stew?
Brunswick Stew is a traditional Southern-style dish from various vegetables cooked in a tomato base. It often includes lima beans, corn, potatoes, and other vegetables. The flavor is hearty and savory, with subtle sweetness from the tomatoes and smokiness from the seasonings. This Pioneer Woman version puts its spin on the classic by adding a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for extra depth of flavor. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes to cook, you’ll have a delicious stew that everyone will love!
Background information on the history of Brunswick Stew.
The origin of Brunswick stew is widely debated, but all chefs agree that it’s a Southern delicacy that requires the meat to be smoked for hours before cooking. Traditionally made with gamey meats like squirrels and rabbits, it evolved to include pork, chicken, and beef.
Although every cook adds unique spices and ingredients, lima beans, tomatoes, and corn are essential for that classic Brunswick taste. In Georgia, it’s served with a tomato and barbeque sauce base, while Virginia uses boiled chicken, potatoes, butter beans, corn, and tomatoes.
Our recipe combines the best aspects of both versions to create the perfect Pioneer Woman Brunswick stew. Slow-cooked for hours, this hearty dish is typically enjoyed as the main course, paired with sourdough bread. So whether the origins of Brunswick stew remain a mystery or not, one thing’s for sure – it’s a Southern classic to be noticed!
What sets Brunswick Stew apart from other dishes?
Brunswick stew is a special dish that owes its richness to a rich mix of meat – from beef and pork to chicken. What sets it apart is the unique blend of barbecue sauce and ketchup – sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in every spoonful. The good news is you can personalize it to suit your taste. Just follow the recipe basics, then let your creativity flow – toss in your favorite veggies or cuts of meat.
How does Brunswick Stew differ from Beef Stew?
Regarding stew, there are two classics – beef and Brunswick. Beef stew is made with meat, vegetables, tomato sauce, and seasoning – it’s simple, hearty, and delicious. But if you’re looking for something with a bit more kick, Brunswick stew is the way to go. Made with beef, pork, and chicken, this spicy stew gets its flavor from a mix of BBQ sauce and ketchup.
Where is the original Brunswick stew?
The origins of Brunswick stew are widely debated, but Georgia and Virginia claim it as their own. While Georgia typically serves the dish with a tomato and BBQ sauce base, Virginians use boiled chicken, potatoes, butter beans, corn, and tomatoes. So no matter which side of the debate you stand on, one thing’s for sure – you can’t go wrong with this delicious Southern classic.
Nutritional Facts of the Brunswick Stew by the Pioneer Woman.
Serving Size: 1 cup (243g)
- Calories from Fat 125
- Calories 287
- Total Fat 14g
- Saturated Fat 4.7g
- Trans Fat 0.2g
- Cholesterol 74mg
- Sodium 462mg
- Potassium 574mg
- Total Carbohydrates 17g
- Dietary Fiber 2.4g
- Sugars 9.6g
- Protein 24g
Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 ½ Ib ground pork
- 1 ½ Ib ground beef
- 1 (3 Ib) whole cooked chicken, deboned and shredded
- 3 (14.5 ounces) cans of whole peeled tomatoes with liquid, chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup hickory-flavored barbeque sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
- 1 green bell pepper
- 3 (14.75 ounces) cans of cream-style corn
- Okra, optional, to help thicken the stew
How to Make Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew
- Get a large skillet sizzling and sauté onions and celery until soft and fragrant. Brown a mixture of beef and pork in the skillet, but don’t drain the fat!
- Toss the pork and beef mixture in a large stockpot and slowly heat it over low flame.
- Add juicy shredded chicken, ripe tomatoes, tangy ketchup, and smoky barbecue sauce. Dust it off with salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. Add green pepper to the mix and let it simmer for around two hours.
- Please stir it now and again until it becomes a rich, thick stew. Top off your masterpiece with cream-style corn, and let it simmer for another hour until it reaches its glory.
- Feel free to remove or chop the now-soft green pepper and stir it. Serve up steaming bowls and relish every bite.
How Do I Thicken Brunswick Stew?
If you want to add some extra oomph to your Brunswick stew, thickening it up is the way to go. Luckily, depending on your preferences, there are two ways to do it.
- Cornstarch slurry: For a quick and easy thickener, try a cornstarch slurry. Combine two tablespoons of cornstarch with one cup of cold water, broth, or vegetable juice until fully dissolved. Then pour the mixture all over your Brunswick stew and watch it thicken as it cooks.
- Simmer and reduce: If you like a more natural approach, go the simmer and reduce route. Bring your stew to a boil, then let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally till the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
Lastly, remember to taste it and pour in more broth or water if it is thicker than you like.
How Long Does Brunswick Stew Last in the Fridge?
Here’s a tip to ensure your Brunswick stew remains fresh: cool it to room temperature before storing it in tightly sealed glass containers. When stored carefully, your delicious stew can last up to 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator.
How Long Can Brunswick Stew Be Frozen For?
Here’s a tip: You can freeze it for up to 3 months! Pour the stew into freezer bags, leaving space of ¼ to ½ inches for expansion, then label with the freezing date. If your Brunswick stew is thickened with flour or cornstarch, it might separate after freezing, so reduce it only when you reheat.
How to Thaw Frozen Brunswick Stew
The best way to thaw it is by popping it into the fridge 24-36 hours before heating. But if you’re pressed for time, here’s a hack: fill a large pot or container with warm water and place the sealed bags of stew inside. In just two hours or less, your stew will thaw to perfection!
How to reheat pioneer woman Brunswick stew
In the oven
To reheat leftovers, first, preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil, place the wrap in an oven-safe dish, and pop it in the preheated oven. After letting it heat up for 40 minutes, stir it halfway through.
In the microwave
Microwave the Brunswick stew by following these easy steps:
- Put it in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with a lid.
- Heat the dish in the microwave for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally every minute to ensure even reheating.
In a skillet
Add your thawed leftovers to a large skillet over low heat for a mouth-watering experience. Add water or chicken broth and mix things up to give your stew some moisture. Fire up the stove and heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remember to avoid overcooking it and ruining all that goodness!
What to pair with Pioneer Woman Brunswick stew
Here are five delicious options that bring out the best in this classic dish:
- Tossed Salad: Add some greens to your plate with a fresh salad of crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and your favorite dressing. The light and refreshing salad perfectly contrast the rich, savory stew.
- Potato Salad: Cue the creamy potato salad, a classic choice that never disappoints. Boil and cube potatoes, then mix them with diced onions, celery, mayo, mustard, and seasonings—a deliciously tangy and creamy addition to your plate.
- Carrot Salad: Brighten up the dish with a side of carrot salad. Grate or julienne carrots and toss them with a tangy dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and fresh herbs. The combination of crunchy and zesty will liven up your meal.
- Freshly-Baked Bread: A warm slice of bread is always a great idea, especially when paired with the savoriness of the stew. Consider sourdough, corn muffins, biscuits, or bread rolls to add comfort to your plate.
- Roasted Vegetables: Nothing says “healthy,” like roasted veggies that burst with flavor. Please choose your favorite vegetables like asparagus, carrots, butternut squash, or mushrooms, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized—a colorful, crunchy, and flavorful addition to your bowl.
- Coleslaw: Last, add a side of coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing—the calm and crunchy coleslaw pairs well with the warmth and heartiness of Brunswick Stew.
Recipe tips: Pioneer woman Brunswick stew
Use fresh vegetables to bring out a colorful flavor for your Brunswick stew. A mix of celery, capsicum, and other flavorful items can complement the stew’s base ingredients. Add veggies and meat to ensure they cook properly and enhance the taste.
For a thicker stew, mash up a few cooked potatoes and simmer over high heat for a few extra minutes. Alternatively, substitute cooked potatoes with canned ones, achieving the desired results. Slow-cooking the Brunswick stew will also provide a tender and thicker end product.
Storage tips:
Leftover Pioneer woman Brunswick stew
Here’s how:
- Pack it up nice and tight in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll last up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Allow the stew to cool down, then place it in an airtight container with half an inch of extra space. It’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Planning on heating it later on? Defrost it overnight before reheating and serving.
Storing the ingredients
- For fresh produce like carrots and tomatoes, try blanching them before slightly boiling, drying, and storing them in zip-top freezer bags. This technique keeps them fresh for up to 3 months.
- Extend its shelf life for meat and prevent freezer burn by dividing it into portions, double wrapping it in plastic wraps, and storing it in a zip-top freezer bag. This keeps the meat fresh for up to 2 months.
FAQs of pioneer woman Brunswick stew recipe
What is the best way to thicken Brunswick stew?
Adding a thickener like cornstarch is the best way to thicken Brunswick stew. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew. Heat the casserole until it thickens.
What is a good side dish for Brunswick stew?
A good side dish for Brunswick stew is a green salad, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. They can all be served alongside the stew to provide a balanced meal.
What was Brunswick stew made initially with?
Brunswick stew was originally made with squirrel, rabbit, or other wild game meats. The Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew recipe calls for cubed chicken instead of the traditional beef.
How do you cook Pioneer woman Brunswick stew with potatoes?
To cook the Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew with potatoes, first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Add cubed chicken and diced potatoes to a large bowl and season with salt and pepper—heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken mixture to the bank until the chicken is cooked through. Next, stir in the vegetables and cook for about 5 minutes. Finally, add tomato sauce and chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer until potatoes are tender, then serve!
How long does the Pioneer Woman Brunswick stew take to cook?
The Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew takes approximately 30 minutes to cook. This includes the time it takes for the chicken and potatoes to cook and the time needed to bring all the ingredients together. Once everything is combined, simmer until potatoes are tender, and then serve.
Can you cook the Brunswick stew in the oven?
You can cook the Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F and follow the instructions above to cook the stew. Instead of simmering on the stovetop, transfer everything to an oven-safe dish and bake for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Who wouldn’t want a stew that tastes better as a leftover?
Everyone loves a stew that tastes better than leftovers! The Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew is an excellent example of this. When reheated, the flavors meld together even more, making it the perfect dish for leftovers or meal prepping. Plus, it stores and freezes well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it for days.
Conclusion: pioneer woman Brunswick stew recipe
The Pioneer Woman’s Brunswick Stew is a delicious and easy-to-make dish for the whole family. It’s an excellent source of protein and vegetables, plus it tastes even better as leftovers! Whether you make it on the stovetop or in the oven, it only takes about 30 minutes to get this comfort food classic ready to serve. With its rich flavor and variety of ingredients, this hearty stew will indeed become a new favorite.
By reading our given analysis in the article, you will be able to make your right choice on pioneer woman Brunswick stew recipe.
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I'm Osbert Presley – an enthusiastic chef passionate about culinary exploration. Since childhood, cooking has brought me immense delight, and it's been my mission to share the joys of food and drinks with everyone around me.
