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Kentucky Burgoo Stew

Kentucky Burgoo Stew

Kentucky Burgoo Stew is a traditional, hearty, and flavorful stew combining a mix of tender meats, fresh vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, this rich stew offers warmth and comfort ideal for chilly evenings or gatherings, delivering a soulful experience with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meats

  • 2 lbs mixed meats (beef, pork, and chicken), cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 2 cups diced onions
  • 2 cups chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup sliced okra
  • 2 cups diced potatoes

Spices and Herbs

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Secret seasoning mix (such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper) to taste

Liquids

  • 6 cups beef broth or water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meats: Begin by trimming and cutting your chosen meats into bite-sized pieces. Brown each type of meat separately in a heavy-bottomed pot to enhance the stew’s flavor through caramelization.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pot, cook the diced onions until translucent. Then add vegetables such as okra, tomatoes, and potatoes to build the stew’s base flavor and texture.
  3. Combine and Season: Return the browned meats to the pot with the vegetables. Add broth or water, then season generously with bay leaves, black pepper, and your secret mix of seasonings. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Slow Cook for Tenderness: Allow the stew to cook slowly over low heat for at least 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to let the flavors fully develop.
  5. Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove bay leaves, then serve the stew hot for a warm and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning during simmering.
  • Brown meats separately to maximize depth of flavor before combining.
  • Slow simmering is key to tender meat and marrying all the flavors.
  • Use fresh vegetables whenever possible for vibrant taste and texture.
  • Okra naturally thickens the stew without needing added flour.

Nutrition

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