Burgoo Recipe From Western Kentucky: An Old-Fashioned Stew With Varied Meats

Burgoo is a thick mixed meat stew that is traditional to Western Kentucky. It uses cooked meat, rich stock, and many kinds of vegetables. The meat can be beef, lamb, pork, chicken, or game. Modern versions often use barbecued meat for deeper flavour. This recipe makes a hearty one-pot meal.

This burgoo recipe uses a mix of cooked meats and simple vegetables. You can use what you have at home. The stocks and Worcestershire sauce give a deep, rich taste. Barbecued meat adds a light smoke flavour, but any cooked meat works well in this stew.

• 450 g mixed cooked meats (beef, lamb, pork, chicken, or game)
• 2 litres chicken stock
• 2 litres beef stock
• 30 ml Worcestershire sauce
• 240 ml tomatoes, diced
• 1 large onion, diced (about 150 g)
• 1 stalk celery, diced (about 60 g)
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced (about 80 g)
• 1 large potato, diced (about 200 g)
• 2 large carrots, diced (about 160 g)
• 60 ml peas (about 40 g)
• 120 ml okra, sliced (about 80 g)
• 60 ml lima beans (about 40 g)
• 120 ml yellow corn kernels (about 80 g)
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced (about 10 g)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Traditional Kentucky burgoo is often cooked outdoors in a large pot. You can also cook this stew indoors. You only need basic tools found in most kitchens. A steady, low heat helps the burgoo simmer well and blend all the flavours.

• Large heavy pot or deep saucepan
• Long-handled spoon for stirring
• Stove or outdoor heat source
• Ladle for serving

Step-by-step method

This burgoo recipe is simple and uses one pot. The main work is in cutting the vegetables and letting the stew simmer. Slow cooking makes the meat very tender. It also helps the vegetables break down a little and thicken the broth.

Step 1: Prepare the meat and vegetables
Cut the cooked meats into small bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion, celery, green bell pepper, potato, and carrots. Make sure the pieces are even so they cook at the same speed. Mince the garlic if it is not ready.

Step 2: Add all ingredients to the pot
Place the mixed cooked meats into the large pot. Pour in the chicken stock and beef stock. Add the Worcestershire sauce and diced tomatoes. Then add the onion, celery, green bell pepper, potato, carrots, peas, okra, lima beans, corn, and minced garlic.

Step 3: Season and bring to a boil
Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well so the meats and vegetables spread out in the stock. Place the pot on medium-high heat. Bring the burgoo to a steady boil, stirring a few times so nothing sticks.

Step 4: Simmer the burgoo
Once the stew is boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the burgoo cook for about two hours. Stir now and then to keep the bottom from burning. The long simmer helps the flavours blend and the broth thicken.

Step 5: Skim and adjust seasoning
As the burgoo simmers, some foam or fat may rise to the top. Skim this off with a spoon for a cleaner taste. After about two hours, taste the stew. Add more salt or pepper if needed before serving.

Notes, tips, and variations

Traditional burgoo in Western Kentucky is often cooked outdoors. A cast-iron kettle over a wood fire is common. Many people feel this gives a better flavour. You can still follow the same recipe on a home stove and get a rich, filling stew.

Barbecued meats give extra smoke and depth to this Kentucky burgoo recipe. You can mix beef, lamb, pork, chicken, or game. Use what you have on hand. The mix of vegetables such as okra, lima beans, corn, peas, and root vegetables helps thicken the stew without extra starch.

Nutritional values

The nutrition for burgoo stew will change with the mix of meats and exact portion size. Using lean meats and skimming fat can lower the fat level. The vegetables add fibre and some vitamins. The stock and seasoning affect the sodium level.

Burgoo is a flexible meat stew that can feed a small family or a large group. This Kentucky burgoo recipe uses mixed cooked meats, two types of stock, and a range of vegetables. The long simmer and simple method make it a reliable choice for a warming, flavourful meal.