Smithfields Brunswick Stew is a hearty, flavorful blend of shredded pork and chicken mixed with vegetables like tomatoes, corn, and lima beans. It’s a comforting, Southern classic that’s perfect for a cozy meal.

I never shared any stew since I tried the Cracker Barrel Beef Stew Recipe. I received a lot of feedback about this recipe on my Instagram. Honestly, I also find it so delicious, and that motivated me to make another stew recipe, but it should be completely different.

So I chose to make this Smithfield’s Brunswick Stew, which is easy to make and made with simple ingredients such as shredded pork, chicken, tomatoes, corn, lima beans, and potatoes.

This stew is rich and hearty, and the best part is that you can adjust the seasonings if you like it more spicy or mild. Also, this Smithfields Brunswick Stew Recipe is easy to pair with many sides, but my favorite is cornbread and coleslaw.

What is Smithfields Brunswick Stew?

Smithfield’s Brunswick Stew is a traditional Southern dish that combines shredded pork and chicken with a variety of vegetables like tomatoes, corn, lima beans, and potatoes, all simmered in a flavorful, hearty broth. This stew is known for its rich, savory taste and thick, satisfying texture, making it a popular comfort food.

How to make Smithfields Brunswick Stew

Ingredients

• 1 lb pork shoulder, cooked and shredded
• 1 lb chicken, cooked and shredded
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 2 cups lima beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

Step 1:

Cook and shred the pork shoulder and chicken. Set aside. Then dice the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 2:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3:

Add the diced potatoes, corn kernels, lima beans, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 4:

Stir in Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using).

Step 5:

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 6:

Add the shredded pork and chicken to the pot. Stir to combine and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7:

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or a bit of sugar depending on your taste.

Step 8:

Serve the Brunswick stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Additional tips

• Slow-cook the pork shoulder and chicken for maximum tenderness and flavor. This can be done in a slow cooker or by simmering on low heat for several hours.

• Incorporate a bit of smoked meat, such as smoked sausage or ham, to add a deep, smoky flavor to the stew.

• Adjust the sweetness to your taste. If you find the stew too sweet, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to balance it out.

• If you have the time, make your chicken broth. It adds a richer, more natural flavor to the stew compared to store-bought varieties.

• For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the simmering process.

• Allow the stew to rest for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together and intensify, making the stew even more delicious when reheated.

How to serve Smithfields Brunswick Stew

I love to pair my Smithfields Brunswick Stew with a warm slice of cornbread and a side of coleslaw for a truly comforting meal. Another great choice is to serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, which soaks up the delicious broth beautifully. Also, you can enjoy the stew with some crusty French bread for dipping. For an extra touch, consider adding a simple green salad to balance the richness of the stew.

How many calories are in Smithfield’s Brunswick Stew?

The calorie content in Smithfield’s Brunswick Stew can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. On average, a typical serving of Brunswick Stew (about 1 cup or 240 grams) contains approximately 250-300 calories.

This estimation includes the calories from meats, vegetables, and any additional seasonings or sauces. To get a more accurate count, it’s best to calculate the calories based on your exact recipe and portion sizes.

How to keep it Fresh?

To keep Smithfield’s Brunswick Stew fresh, follow these storage tips:

1. Cool Quickly: Allow the stew to cool to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.
2. Airtight Containers: Store the stew in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent the stew from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator.
3. Refrigeration: Place the containers in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. The stew will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
4. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the stew. Place it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date, and it will keep for up to 3 months.
5. Reheating: When ready to eat, thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove over medium heat until it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Avoid Repeated Heating: Only reheat the portion you plan to eat to maintain the quality and freshness of the remaining stew.

FAQ

What meats are used in Smithfields Brunswick Stew?

Typically, a combination of pork shoulder and chicken is used, but some recipes also include beef or rabbit.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen corn and lima beans if fresh vegetables are not available.

How can I make the Smithfields Brunswick Stew spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.

Can I make Brunswick Stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker by cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

How can I thicken the stew?

Mash some of the potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the simmering process to thicken the stew.

Is Smithfields Brunswick Stew gluten-free?

The stew itself can be gluten-free if you ensure that all ingredients, including seasonings and broths, do not contain gluten. Be cautious with store-bought broths and seasoning mixes.