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If you grew up in the South, chances are you’ve had a steaming bowl of Brunswick stew at some point in your life. This hearty, smoky-sweet classic is often called barbecue in a bowl — a thick tomato base loaded with pulled pork, juicy chicken, lima beans, corn, and plenty of tangy barbecue flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with comfort and your table with smiles.

Brunswick stew has a bit of a legend behind it. Some say it was born in Brunswick County, Virginia, while others claim Brunswick, Georgia. No matter who gets the bragging rights, it was originally made with small game like squirrel or rabbit before evolving into the pork-and-chicken version we know and love today.

I like to think of it as the ultimate gathering dish — big, bold, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re serving it up for game day, a church potluck, or just a cozy Sunday supper, a pot of Brunswick stew never disappoints.

If you love cozy bowls of comfort like my Pork Stew or hearty Cowboy Stew, this Brunswick Stew is about to be your new favorite. And if you’re craving something a little different, try a big pot of Texas Chili — it’s sure to hit the spot.

💡 Pro Tip: This is the perfect recipe to use up leftovers from my Crockpot Pulled Pork. Honestly, it’s so delicious you might not have extras — that’s why I always cook a larger roast. That way, I’ve got plenty for dinner and enough left to make a cozy pot of Brunswick Stew the next day.

Let’s make this!

Why This Recipe Works

Two tender meats: Pulled pork and roasted chicken make it hearty and authentic.
Deep flavor base: Liquid smoke, Worcestershire, and barbecue sauce create that signature Southern BBQ taste.
Simple ingredients: Frozen veggies and rotisserie chicken make prep a breeze.
Crowd-sized batch: Feeds 8–10, perfect for family gatherings or game day.

✨ Before You Start

✨ Use a Dutch oven: It’s perfect for building layers of flavor, but a heavy soup pot works too.

✨ Sauté the aromatics: Don’t skip softening the onion, garlic, and celery first — it deepens the flavor.

✨ Balance the base: A mix of BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, vinegar, and a hint of Tabasco makes this stew sweet, savory, tangy, and smoky.

✨ Make-ahead friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors mingle.

✨ Freezer superstar: Portion it out and freeze flat in bags for quick meals anytime.

Ingredients for Brunswick Stew

(Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need. Be sure to check the helpful notes below before you get cooking.)

Bacon Drippings or Butter – Bacon fat is the traditional choice and adds a smoky richness that takes this stew up a notch. Butter works beautifully, too, if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to save your bacon drippings — they freeze wonderfully and are ready whenever you need them.
Onion, garlic, celery – A “mock mirepoix” that builds savory depth and balance.
Diced tomatoes – Canned with liquid adds body and tang.
Chicken broth + Better Than Bouillon – Layered flavor that’s more robust than broth alone.
Worcestershire sauce – Provides savory, umami backbone.
Liquid smoke – – 100% natural, made by capturing real smoke from burning wood and condensing it. It’s an easy way to bring that authentic barbecue flavor without firing up a smoker. Gives authentic barbecue depth without a smoker.
Apple cider vinegar – Brightens and balances the sweetness.
Tabasco – Just a splash for warmth, not overwhelming heat.
Barbecue sauce – Choose a smoky, slightly sweet sauce you love — it drives the stew’s signature flavor.
Pulled pork + roasted chicken – Using two meats makes it hearty and authentic.
Corn + lima beans – The classic vegetables that give Brunswick stew its signature sweetness and creamy texture.

Pro Tips ⭐

⭐ Dutch Oven Love: The even heat and sturdy build of a Dutch oven are ideal for long simmering.

⭐ Sauté Matters: Cooking onion, garlic, and celery until soft brings out sweetness that balances the tangy base.

⭐ Mock Mirepoix: We skip carrots here, but onion + celery + garlic work beautifully.

How To Make Brunswick Stew

What is Southern Brunswick Stew?

Brunswick stew is a classic Southern thick stew made with a tomato base, enhanced with a good barbecue sauce then loaded with smoked meat, generally pork and often chicken, lima beans and veggies.

History of Traditional Brunswick Stew

The true birthplace of Brunswick stew is still debated to this day. Some folks say it first bubbled up in Brunswick County, Virginia, while others insist it started in Brunswick, Georgia. Wherever the bragging rights belong, one thing is certain — it’s been a Southern favorite for generations.

Originally, the stew was made by hunters who tossed whatever game they had on hand into the pot — think squirrel, rabbit, or even opossum. Over time, the recipe evolved, and today we enjoy it with tender chicken and pork in that same rich tomato base. It’s a dish with humble beginnings that grew into one of the South’s most iconic comfort foods.

Storing + Reheating + Freezing + Make-Ahead Tips

Storing

Brunswick stew actually gets better after a night in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days, and the flavors will cozy up together even more.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring now and then. If it’s thickened a bit, just splash in some extra broth to loosen it up. It’ll taste like it simmered all over again.

Freezing

This stew is a freezer superstar! Portion it into quart-sized bags, lay them flat, and freeze for up to 3 months. On a chilly night, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat for instant comfort.

Make-Ahead

Want to make dinnertime even easier? Chop the veggies and shred the meat in advance, or whisk the liquid ingredients together in a jar. When it’s stew time, all you have to do is dump, stir, and let the magic happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Brunswick stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Just sauté the onion, garlic, and celery first, then let your slow cooker do the rest. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until everything is cozy and tender.

What barbecue sauce works best?

Use a sauce you’d happily slather on ribs or dip your fries in — it’s the heart of this stew’s flavor. A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce is classic, but if you like a tangier or spicier kick, go with your favorite.

Can I make this without liquid smoke?

You can, but you’ll miss that signature barbecue depth. If you don’t have liquid smoke, try smoked paprika or swap the butter for bacon drippings. Both bring plenty of smoky charm.

Is Brunswick stew supposed to be thick?

Yes — it should be thick and hearty, almost like a cross between chili and soup. If it feels too thin, just let it simmer uncovered a little longer.

Can I use fresh veggies instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh corn and lima beans are wonderful when they’re in season. Frozen just makes it easy to enjoy Brunswick stew any time of year.

What if I don’t have pulled pork on hand?

No worries. This stew is forgiving. Double up on chicken, use leftover smoked meats, or even toss in shredded beef. It’ll still taste like pure Southern comfort.

More Cozy Stew Recipes

If you love hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort meals like this Brunswick Stew, here are a few more cozy bowls to try next:

Classic Beef Stew: Tender beef, potatoes, and carrots simmered in a rich, savory gravy.
Hamburger Stew: A budget-friendly, super delish family favorite made with ground beef, potatoes, and veggies in a hearty tomato broth.
Guinness Beef Stew: Deep, rich flavor thanks to a splash of stout beer.
Meatball Stew: Juicy meatballs simmered in a hearty tomato-based broth.
Green Chile Stew: A Southwest classic with a little kick of warmth.
Chicken Stew: Cozy and homestyle, loaded with tender chicken and hearty veggies.
Shipwreck Stew: A family favorite with ground beef, veggies, and potatoes all baked together in layers.

Tried This Recipe?

I’d love it if you gave this Brunswick Stew a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @gonna_want_seconds when you share your cozy bowl.

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Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! ❤️ Kathleen

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