Kentucky Derby Burgoo Stew (Print View)

Slow-simmered Southern burgoo with beef, pork, chicken and vegetables, finished with smoky spices.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb boneless beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
03 - 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into chunks

→ Vegetables

04 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
05 - 2 large onions, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
08 - 3 celery stalks, chopped
09 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
10 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
11 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
12 - 1 cup frozen lima beans
13 - 1 cup frozen corn kernels
14 - 1 can diced tomatoes, with juices (14.5 oz)
15 - 3 cups beef or chicken stock
16 - 1 cup okra, sliced (fresh or frozen)

→ Spices & Pantry

17 - 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
18 - 2 bay leaves
19 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
20 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
21 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
22 - Hot sauce, to taste (optional)

# Method:

01 - In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef, pork, and chicken in batches. Remove to a plate and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
03 - Return meats to the pot. Add potatoes, lima beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juices), and stock. Stir well.
04 - Add Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
05 - Stir in okra and cook uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until meat is tender and stew is thickened.
06 - Adjust seasoning and add hot sauce to taste, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This stew practically begs to be ladled out at big gatherings and always has guests sneaking back for seconds.
  • It makes for the kind of meal that deepens in flavor overnight, making leftovers a secret highlight.
02 -
  • If you rush the browning step, you'll lose all that deep, satisfying flavor that makes this stew unforgettable.
  • Adding okra at the end is key; toss it in too soon and you'll have a gummy pot instead of a stew with just the right thickness.
03 -
  • Always use a heavy-bottomed pot—thin metal leads to uneven cooking and burned stew bottoms.
  • A splash of cider vinegar perks up the flavors right before serving, but only add it off the heat so it doesn't get lost.
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