Kentucky Burgoo a Hearty Slowcooked Stew

Hearty Burgoo Recipe Kentucky Comfort Food at Its Best

By Amara Vitalis August 7, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Let's Talk Burgoo, Y'all

Ever find yourself craving something hearty, something real good? Then, let's dive into a burgoo recipe . This ain't your average stew. It's a proper hug in a bowl.

Quick Hook: What's the Deal with Burgoo?

Have you ever wondered about the ultimate Southern comfort food recipe ? Well, wonder no more! The Kentucky stew recipe is where it’s at.

This is flavour central, slow cooked to perfection, using proper smoked meat stew .

Burgoo: A Kentucky Classic

Kentucky stew recipe , otherwise known as Burgoo, it’s a classic. It's a big pot of deliciousness. The burgoo recipe hails from Kentucky.

It's Christmas Stew served at celebrations. It's simple grub that takes a bit of time to become legendary. We're talking about 8-10 servings.

Perfect for sharing with your mates or a large family.

The Good Stuff: Why Burgoo Rocks

This hearty vegetable stew isn't just tasty. It's also packed with protein and fiber. It is thanks to all those meats and veg.

Perfect for those nights when you want something filling and satisfying. It is also ideal for Winter Family Meals because it’s a one-pot meal recipes so less washing up.

Honestly, what's not to love? This particular recipe is special. It balances tradition with a touch of modern convenience.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

So, you're ready to make a killer burgoo recipe ? Ace! It's easier than you think. And honestly? The right ingredients can elevate this Southern comfort food recipe from “meh” to “OMG!”.

Don’t be scared of a bit of chopping it’s all part of the fun!

Main Ingredients for Our Hearty Burgoo

Okay, here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Precision is key but hey, a little wiggle room never hurt anyone, right? We're doing this recipe, starting with:

Chicken: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Fresh is best. Trust me.
Beef: 1 lb (450g) beef chuck roast, cubed into 1 inch pieces. Look for good marbling, that's your flavour right there.
Smoked Sausage: 1 lb (450g) of your fave. Andouille or Kielbasa both work.
Bacon: ½ lb (225g) smoked bacon, chopped. Because… bacon.
Onion: 1 large , chopped. About 1 ½ cups . Yellow or white will do just fine.
Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped. Around 1 cup .
Celery: 2 stalks , chopped. Again, aim for 1 cup .
Bell Peppers: 1 green & 1 red , chopped. About 1 cup each.
Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can, undrained. Don't skip the juice!
Corn: 1 (15 oz / 425g) can, drained.
Lima Beans: 1 (15 oz / 425g) can, drained.
Butter Beans: 1 (15 oz / 425g) can, drained.
Potatoes: 1 lb (450g) Yukon Gold, peeled and diced.
Okra: 1 cup sliced, fresh or frozen.
Chicken Broth: 8 cups (1.9 liters) , low sodium preferred.
Water: 1 cup (240 ml) .
Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons - don’t forget this!
Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon – for that little zing!
Smoked Paprika: 2 teaspoons .
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon .
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon .
Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon (or to taste).
Salt and black pepper, to taste.

For the beef and chicken , look for good color. Not brown or grey.

Seasoning Secrets for Winter Family Meals

Okay, listen up! These spices are what make this Kentucky stew recipe sing! It's more than just the individual spices, it's the combination that creates that comforting flavor profile.

I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika for that extra oomph . You can use chilli flakes if you don't have cayenne pepper.

Honestly, trust your gut on this!

Essential Equipment: Don't Panic!

You don't need a fancy kitchen. Keep it simple!

A 6-quart slow cooker or a Dutch oven . Slow cooker makes it easy, but a Dutch oven works great too.
A large skillet or pot to brown the meat.
A cutting board and knife .

Let's Get This Burgoo Cookin'!

Alright, so you're craving some proper Southern comfort food? Perfect! We're diving headfirst into a Kentucky stew recipe that'll warm you from your toes to your ears.

Think of this burgoo recipe as a big ol' hug in a bowl. It's a bit of a project, I won’t lie, but trust me, the end result is so worth it.

We can customize your own burgoo variations .

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, let's get our ducks in a row. Chop your onion, carrots, celery, peppers. Dice those potatoes and slice that smoked sausage.

Honestly, doing this upfront saves you a world of stress later. I always like to lay everything out in little bowls.

It makes me feel like I'm on a cooking show. You know?

Safety tip: Watch your fingers when chopping! We don't want any culinary casualties.

Burgoo in Action: step-by-step Simplicity

This ain’t rocket science. Let's get this show on the road, shall we?

Brown that bacon until it’s crispy. Set it aside, keep the fat.
Brown your chicken and beef in the bacon fat, seasoning them as you go. Set aside.
Sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and peppers until they soften.
Toss everything meats, veggies, canned goods, all that jazz into your slow cooker .
Pour in your broth , add the Worcestershire, vinegar, and spices. Stir it all together.
Slow Cooker : Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . Dutch Oven: Simmer at 325° F ( 160° C) for 3- 4 hours .
Shred the chicken, return it to the stew, and thicken it up if needed.
Stir in that crispy bacon. Season to taste.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Stew Game

Here's a secret don't skip browning the meat! It adds layers of flavor you just can't get any other way.

It's like giving your stew a proper flavour foundation. Also, taste as you go! Seasoning is key. Adjust to your liking.

And if your stew is too thin, just use a bit of cornstarch to thicken it up. For true flavour, opt for some smoked meat stew .

Avoid adding too much cayenne pepper right away. You can always add more, but you can't take it away. This can be one of the Winter Family Meals to prepare in advance.

You can even throw it together the day before, because Christmas Stew tastes even better the next day!

So there you have it: the burgoo recipe to end all burgoo recipes! Now, go forth and conquer that stew pot. Enjoy this One-pot meal recipes treat!

Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Burgoo

Right, so you're about to embark on your burgoo recipe adventure. Ace! Before you dive in headfirst, let's talk about a few things.

Honestly, these little tips will save you a world of grief. You know? It's like having a cheat sheet to amazing Southern comfort food recipe .

Serving Suggestions: Let's Get This Show on the Road

First up, presentation! Plating this hearty vegetable stew is easy peasy. A big, rustic bowl works a charm. I always like to chuck a dollop of sour cream on top, maybe some chopped parsley for that bit of freshness.

It's a feast for the eyes.

As for sides? Cornbread is a must. Seriously. Or, if you're feeling fancy, some nice crusty bread for mopping up all that delicious juice.

To drink? Sweet tea, naturally. Or, if you're feeling a bit naughty, a Kentucky bourbon cocktail. An Old Fashioned would go down a treat.

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This recipe beef tastes even better the next day. Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container, and it'll be good for about 3-4 days.

Want to freeze it? Go for it! Just let it cool completely first. Then, portion it out into freezer safe containers or bags.

It'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop.

Give it a good stir every now and then.

Burgoo Variations: Making It Your Own

Fancy a twist? I am always experimenting with burgoo variations. The recipe is flexible! Make a spicier slow cooker burgoo with cayenne or jalapeños.

For Winter Family Meals think about a Christmas Stew by using some leftover turkey or ham!

Or, if you're after a veggie option, ditch the meat and load up on beans and vegetables. Tofu works well too, believe it or not. Just make sure you're using vegetable broth.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, so let's get down to brass tacks. Each serving of this Kentucky stew recipe is estimated to pack around 450-550 calories, 40-50g of protein, and a good chunk of fiber.

That's before your cornbread of course! It is a hearty, filling, one-pot meal recipes and it’s packed with goodness.

But, and this is a big but, remember those are just estimates. It'll depend on exactly what you chuck in. And please use low-sodium broth, alright?

So, there you have it! Some notes, tips and tricks to make your burgoo experience even better. With smoked meat stew it's all about building layers of flavor so don't be shy with seasonings.

Don't stress if things go a bit wonky. Cooking should be fun! Get stuck in and enjoy the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is burgoo? Is it like a posh stew or something?

Spot on! Burgoo is a hearty stew originating from Kentucky, USA. It's traditionally made with a mix of meats (like chicken, beef, and pork) and a whole heap of vegetables, all simmered together for hours.

Think of it as the ultimate comfort food perfect for a cold evening after a long day, like a proper Sunday roast without all the fuss of carving!

This burgoo recipe calls for a lot of different meats. Can I substitute some or leave any out?

Absolutely! The beauty of burgoo is its flexibility. Feel free to substitute the meats based on your preferences and what you have on hand. For example, venison works brilliantly in place of the beef for a more traditional flavour, or you can swap out the smoked sausage for something else entirely, the choice is yours!

How do I thicken my burgoo recipe if it ends up too watery? Mine looks like soup, not stew!

No worries, happens to the best of us! To thicken your burgoo, remove about a cup of the liquid from the pot. Whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or plain flour until smooth, then stir the mixture back into the stew. Continue to simmer for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

It's like making a gravy from scratch!

Can I make this Kentucky burgoo recipe ahead of time? Does it freeze well?

Definitely! In fact, burgoo often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together a bit like a good curry. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Burgoo also freezes beautifully.

Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months, and is ready for when you need a hearty meal!

What kind of nutritional value does Burgoo have? I'm trying to be a bit healthier, you know.

Burgoo can be surprisingly nutritious! Packed with protein from the meats and fiber from all the vegetables, it's a pretty well rounded meal. However, it can also be high in sodium, so using low-sodium broth is a good idea. Also, be mindful of the fat content depending on the type of meats you use.

But hey, a little bit of what you fancy does you good, right?

I don't have a slow cooker. Can I still make this burgoo recipe on the stovetop or in the oven?

Absolutely! While a slow cooker makes it super easy, you can definitely make burgoo on the stovetop or in the oven. For the stovetop, use a large, heavy bottomed pot and simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

For the oven, use a Dutch oven, bring to a simmer on the stovetop, then transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) and cook for 3-4 hours. Either way, you'll end up with a fantastic bowl of burgoo!