Get ready to wrap yourself in the delicious embrace of Burgoo: Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food for Family Gatherings. This iconic Kentucky stew is a celebration in a pot, brimming with tender meats, hearty vegetables, and a deep, smoky-sweet flavor that’s as inviting as a big family hug. Perfect for cool weekends, game days, or whenever you want to feed a crowd, this classic dish layers its rich, savory notes with a zesty barbecue kick. Whether it’s your first time tackling burgoo or you’re looking for a new favorite for family reunions, this recipe promises to become an instant tradition around your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Burgoo: Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food for Family Gatherings so unforgettable is its medley of straightforward, honest ingredients. Each one brings something special—richness from the meats, soul-soothing heartiness from the veggies, and a punch of smoky-sweetness that sets this stew apart.
- Beef chuck (2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose well-marbled beef for extra tenderness and depth of flavor.
- Pork shoulder (1 pound, cut into chunks): Infuses the stew with juicy, rich notes that soak up all those delicious spices.
- Chicken thighs (1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into pieces): Stay wonderfully moist and provide a contrast in texture to the other meats.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Helps develop a golden crust on the meat, building those sought-after savory flavors right from the start.
- Large onion (1, diced): Brings a mellow sweetness and forms the aromatic base of the stew.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds depth and aromatic intensity—don’t skip it!
- Beef broth (4 cups): Creates a rich, flavorful broth that ties everything together.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Bring a tangy brightness and luscious thickness to the sauce.
- Barbecue sauce (1 cup): Go for smoky, sweet, or spicy—it’s your secret flavor weapon here!
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Lifts the stew with a savory umami boost.
- Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons): Adds a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers subtle herbal notes that ground the flavors.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for pulling all those big flavors together.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Just enough for a gentle heat.
- Frozen lima beans (2 cups): Give a buttery bite and traditional Southern flair.
- Frozen corn (2 cups): Adds pops of sweetness and beautiful color.
- Potatoes (2 cups, diced): Soak up all the meaty richness and add body to every spoonful.
- Carrots (1 ½ cups, sliced): Infuse natural sweetness and gorgeous orange tones.
- Green beans (1 cup, chopped): For a fresh snap and extra color.
- Cabbage (1 cup, chopped): Softens into the stew and soaks up all the big, bold flavors.
How to Make Burgoo: Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food for Family Gatherings
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Heat your largest stockpot or Dutch oven with the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and pork first, giving them time to brown evenly on all sides. This step is where big, savory flavor starts! Once browned, set the beef and pork aside, then add the chicken to the pot. Let it turn golden, then set it aside with the rest. Browning each kind of meat individually ensures extra layers of flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Use a wooden spoon to stir up all those flavorful brown bits left behind by the meats. Cook until the onion is soft and your whole kitchen smells irresistible—this is the aromatic foundation that makes Burgoo: Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food for Family Gatherings so legendary.
Step 3: Combine the Liquids and Spices
Return all the browned meats to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so everything mingles beautifully. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat so it can bubble away at a gentle simmer. Cover and let all those flavors get friendly for about 1.5 hours, giving it an occasional stir.
Step 4: Add the Hearty Veggies
It’s time to bulk out your stew with diced potatoes, sliced carrots, green beans, and cabbage. Stir them all in and let the pot keep simmering for another 30 minutes. The vegetables will soften, release their sweetness, and soak up the meaty, spicy broth. This is where that classic Burgoo: Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food for Family Gatherings texture really develops—the perfect balance of comforting and chunky.
Step 5: Finish with Lima Beans and Corn
Now, for the final flourish! Stir in the frozen lima beans and corn. Let everything keep cooking for 15 to 20 more minutes, until all the vegetables are meltingly tender and the stew is thick and rich. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning—another dash of salt or splash of barbecue sauce can make it absolutely perfect. Serve hot, straight from the pot, and watch as the whole family crowds around for seconds!
How to Serve Burgoo: Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food for Family Gatherings
Garnishes
A big bowl of burgoo begs for a little finishing touch! Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a swirl of extra barbecue sauce, or even a scattering of thinly sliced green onions. A few drops of hot sauce add zippy heat, and a quick crack of black pepper brings everything to life just before eating.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with Burgoo: Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food for Family Gatherings than a piece of freshly baked cornbread or a slice of crusty artisanal bread. For heartier gatherings, serve with coleslaw or a simple green salad—these crisp sides offset the stew’s rich flavors perfectly. Sweet pickles or chow-chow make a classic regional touch if you want to lean into Southern tradition!
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with how you dish it up! Serve burgoo in mini bread bowls for a rustic party, or ladle it into big mugs by a backyard fire. For a family-style meal, bring the steaming pot right to the table and let everyone help themselves—the casual, communal spirit is part of what makes Burgoo: Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food for Family Gatherings so enduringly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Burgoo actually gets better with time! After it cools, transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors meld overnight, delivering even more depth and heartiness the next day—a true gift for anyone looking forward to round two.
Freezing
This stew is tailor-made for freezing. Portion your cooled burgoo into freezer-safe containers, making sure there’s a little space for expansion. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Before reheating, let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the burgoo on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often so it doesn’t stick. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it if it’s thickened up in the fridge. Alternatively, use a microwave, stopping to stir every couple of minutes until it’s piping hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I make burgoo with different meats?
Absolutely! The beauty of Burgoo: Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food for Family Gatherings is its versatility. Try substituting turkey, lamb, or even smoked sausage if you want to put your own spin on tradition. Just be sure to balance lean and fatty cuts so the stew stays rich and satisfying.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this burgoo is naturally gluten-free as written. If you’re serving sensitive guests, just double-check your beef broth and barbecue sauce labels to be sure there are no hidden sources of gluten.
Do I have to use all three meats?
You can adapt to what you have on hand—using just beef and chicken or pork and chicken works perfectly well. The combination adds layers of texture and flavor, but feel free to experiment with what’s in your fridge or freezer.
How can I make the stew thicker or thinner?
If your burgoo turns out thicker than you’d like, simply add a bit more broth during the final simmer. For a thicker stew, let it simmer uncovered for a bit to reduce, or smash a few potatoes against the side of the pot and stir them in for natural thickening.
What’s the story behind burgoo?
Burgoo: Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food for Family Gatherings has deep roots in Kentucky and the Midwest, often served at large community picnics and fundraisers. Originally, it was a communal stew, cooked in giant pots with whatever meats and vegetables were available, making it a true showcase of resourcefulness and togetherness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for more, you can’t go wrong with Burgoo: Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food for Family Gatherings. It’s hearty, loaded with flavor, and practically made for making memories. Whip up a big batch, invite some friends and family over, and enjoy every cozy, soul-warming bite!
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Burgoo: Amazing Ultimate Comfort Food for Family Gatherings Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Burgoo is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings. This hearty stew combines beef, pork, and chicken with a variety of vegetables and flavorful seasonings, creating a delicious one-pot meal that will warm your soul.
Ingredients
Meat:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into pieces
Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups frozen lima beans
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 ½ cups sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 cup chopped cabbage
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, brown beef and pork, then set aside. Brown chicken separately and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Cook Stew: Return all meat to the pot, add broth, tomatoes, sauces, and seasonings. Simmer covered for 1.5 hours. Add vegetables and continue simmering for 30 minutes. Stir in lima beans and corn, cook for 15-20 minutes more.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot.
Notes
- For added depth, use a mix of sweet and smoky barbecue sauces.
- This dish can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.
- Serve with cornbread or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
