Discover the rich, hearty flavors of Kentucky Burgoo Stew—a comforting dish that warms every soul with each delicious bite. This classic Southern stew brings together a medley of meats, fresh vegetables, and bold spices slow-cooked to perfection. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a tradition that invites friends and family to gather ’round and share in the warmth and history this unique stew offers. Whether you’re new to Southern cooking or a longtime fan, Kentucky Burgoo Stew promises a satisfying taste experience that fills both your belly and your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, complex flavors: The slow simmering of various meats and veggies creates a deep, layered taste that’s truly unforgettable.
Hearty and satisfying: Packed with protein and vegetables, it makes a fulfilling meal that keeps you energized.
Perfect for gatherings: A large batch feeds a crowd and encourages sharing, making it an ideal dish for family and friends.
Comfort food at its best: Warm, soothing, and nostalgic, it’s like a big, cozy hug on a chilly day.
Versatile and adaptable: Easily customized with your favorite meats or veggies to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Kentucky Burgoo Stew plays a vital role in building its hearty flavor and satisfying texture. Though simple, these essentials come together beautifully to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Assorted meats: Typically a combination of beef, pork, and chicken, providing a rich and savory base.
Fresh vegetables: Onion, tomatoes, corn, okra, and green beans add layers of texture and natural sweetness.
Spices and herbs: A touch of thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper balance the stew with aromatic warmth.
Slow-cooking liquid: Usually broth or water, which gently melds the flavors over hours of cooking.
Optional thickening agents: Cornmeal or chili powder can be added to adjust the stew’s consistency and heat.

Variations for Kentucky Burgoo Stew

One of the best parts about Kentucky Burgoo Stew is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to cater to specific tastes, dietary restrictions, or just experiment, these variations keep the dish exciting and approachable.

Vegetarian twist: Swap meats with hearty mushrooms and additional beans for depth and protein.
Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to turn up the heat.
Smoked meat variation: Use smoked sausage or ham hocks for a smoky nuance that’s irresistible.
Hearty bean inclusion: Introduce kidney or butter beans to augment the stew’s richness and fiber content.
Less traditional veggies: Add squash, sweet potatoes, or carrots for a sweeter, colorful finish.

Why Kentucky Burgoo Stew Warms Every Soul

How to Make Kentucky Burgoo Stew

Step 1: Prepare Your Meats

Start by cutting beef, pork, and chicken into bite-sized chunks. Browning the meats in a hot pan enhances flavor and seals in juices, setting the stage for a rich stew.

Step 2: Chop Your Vegetables

Dice onions, tomatoes, green beans, okra, and corn. Fresh veggies are key for vibrant taste and texture, so try to use the best quality available.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Large Pot

Layer your browned meats and vegetables in a heavy pot, adding seasonings like thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour broth or water until all ingredients are just covered.

Step 4: Slow Simmer for Hours

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it gently simmer for 3 to 4 hours or until the meats are tender and flavors meld.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency and Final Seasoning

If the stew is too thin, stir in a bit of cornmeal to thicken. Taste and adjust salt and spice levels before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Kentucky Burgoo Stew

Mix your meats: Using a variety of meats adds depth and complexity unmatched by any single protein.
Cook low and slow: Patience is your best friend when making this stew to develop maximum flavor and tender meat.
Don’t rush the veggies: Adding vegetables too early can make them mushy; add tender ones later if needed.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves provide a brighter, more aromatic flavor than dried versions.
Let it rest: Kentucky Burgoo Stew tastes even better the next day once flavors have fully melded.

How to Serve Kentucky Burgoo Stew

Garnishes

A dollop of fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of green onions, or a few dashes of hot sauce can elevate the flavors and add a pop of color.

Side Dishes

Serve with crusty bread, corn muffins, or classic Southern sides like coleslaw and pickled vegetables to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, serve Kentucky Burgoo Stew in hollowed-out bread bowls or alongside a fresh garden salad for a light contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Kentucky Burgoo Stew in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; the flavors improve as it sits.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully—portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months for a quick, comforting meal later.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain even warmth and restore that freshly made taste.

FAQs

What meats are traditionally used in Kentucky Burgoo Stew?

Traditionally, Kentucky Burgoo Stew includes a mix of beef, pork, and chicken, but some variations might also include lamb or mutton depending on family recipes.

Can I make Kentucky Burgoo Stew vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the meats with mushrooms, beans, and other hearty vegetables to create a satisfying vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.

How long should Kentucky Burgoo Stew simmer?

It’s best to simmer the stew low and slow for about 3 to 4 hours; this ensures the meats become tender and all flavors meld beautifully.

Is Kentucky Burgoo Stew spicy?

The traditional recipe is mild, but you can easily add heat with cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to suit your personal preference.

What is the best way to thicken Kentucky Burgoo Stew?

Adding a small amount of cornmeal or allowing the stew to simmer uncovered for a while can help thicken it to the desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Kentucky Burgoo Stew is a soul-warming classic that brings people together with its rich flavors and comforting qualities. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a hearty, delicious meal, this stew is a celebration of tradition and taste that you’ll be excited to make again and again.

Kentucky Burgoo Stew

Print Recipe

Kentucky Burgoo Stew is a rich and hearty traditional Southern dish made from a slow-cooked medley of assorted meats, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. This comforting stew delivers complex, layered flavors and a satisfying texture, ideal for family gatherings or cozy meals. Versatile and adaptable, it can be customized with various meats, vegetables, or made vegetarian, offering a soul-warming taste experience steeped in Southern heritage.

Author: Lilly
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Soups and Stews
Method: Slow Simmering
Cuisine: Southern American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Meats

1 lb beef, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 lb pork, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 lb chicken, cut into bite-sized chunks

Vegetables

1 large onion, diced
3 medium tomatoes, diced
1 cup corn kernels
1 cup sliced okra
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut

Spices and Herbs

2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
2 bay leaves
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Liquids

6 cups beef or chicken broth (or water, as needed)

Optional Thickening and Heat

2 tbsp cornmeal (optional, for thickening)
1–2 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Prepare Your Meats: Cut beef, pork, and chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a hot pan, brown the meats in batches to enhance flavor and seal in juices.
Chop Your Vegetables: Dice onions and tomatoes. Trim and slice green beans and okra. Husk and cut corn kernels fresh for best texture.
Combine Ingredients in a Large Pot: In a heavy pot, layer browned meats and chopped vegetables. Add fresh thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth or water to just cover the ingredients.
Slow Simmer for Hours: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Allow to simmer gently for 3 to 4 hours until meats are tender and flavors fully meld.
Adjust Consistency and Final Seasoning: If the stew is too thin, stir in cornmeal gradually to thicken. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or add chili powder for heat before serving.

Notes

Mix different meats for deeper, richer flavor complexity.
Cook the stew low and slow to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.
Add vegetables towards the end of cooking if you prefer them less mushy.
Use fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaves for a brighter aroma compared to dried herbs.
Let the stew rest overnight for flavors to meld even better.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Kentucky Burgoo, Burgoo Stew, Southern stew, slow cooked stew, traditional Kentucky recipe, hearty stew, comfort food