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Kentucky Burgoo Stew

Kentucky Burgoo Stew
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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. Chop Your Vegetables: Dice onions and tomatoes. Trim and slice green beans and okra. Husk and cut corn kernels fresh for best texture.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/kentucky-burgoo-stew/