Best Easy Kentucky Burgoo Recipe

Kentucky burgoo is a thick, slow-simmered stew packed with multiple meats and vegetables that's a Derby Day family tradition. This high protein, carnivore-friendly stew is rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful.

Cook 180 min Difficulty NORMAL 355 kcal
#high protein #carnivore #Kentucky Derby #family dinner
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Beef chuck roast 1 lb
  • Pork shoulder 1 lb
  • Chicken thighs (bone-in, skinless) 1 lb
  • Onion 2 pieces
  • Green bell pepper 1 piece
  • Carrots 2 pieces
  • Potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet) 2 pieces
  • Frozen corn kernels 1.5 cups
  • Cabbage 1 cup
  • Lima beans 1 cup
  • Crushed tomatoes 2 cups
  • Chicken broth 6 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Salt 2 tsp
  • Black pepper 1 tsp
  • Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp
  • Paprika 1 tsp
  • Bay leaves 2 pieces
  • Hot sauce 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 22 g 25%
Protein 29 g 33%
Fat 15 g 42%
Serving size 400g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Cut beef chuck, pork shoulder, and chicken thighs into large chunks. Pat dry with paper towels for better browning.

  2. 2

    In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown all meats in batches, turning occasionally until well-seared. Set browned meat aside.

  3. 3

    Add chopped onions, bell pepper, and carrots to the same pot; sauté with a pinch of salt for 4–5 minutes until softened, scraping up browned bits.

  4. 4

    Return all meats to the pot, add potatoes, corn, cabbage, lima beans, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and all seasonings. Stir thoroughly.

  5. 5

    Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally and skimming fat as needed. Midway, remove chicken pieces, shred meat, and return to pot.

  6. 6

    Continue simmering until meats are very tender and vegetables have thickened the stew. Adjust seasoning to taste, discard bay leaves, and serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Kentucky burgoo's signature flavor comes from a blend of multiple meats—beef chuck roast, pork shoulder, and chicken thighs—which slowly simmer together with vegetables. This combination is essential for the stew's hearty texture and rich, savory depth.
Q. How do I avoid overcooking or undercooking the meats in burgoo?
Begin by browning the meats for added flavor, then simmer them gently over low heat for several hours. Removing and shredding the chicken midway ensures all proteins become perfectly tender while preventing dryness. Stirring occasionally and checking doneness helps avoid both overcooking or undercooking.
Q. Which vegetable gives classic burgoo its sweet, hearty notes?
A mix of potatoes, carrots, corn kernels, and cabbage adds sweetness, body, and balance to Kentucky burgoo. Among these, corn and carrots especially lend a gentle sweetness and familiar comfort to the stew’s overall flavor profile.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each serving (400g) of this Kentucky burgoo contains 355 kcal, with 29g of protein—making it a high protein, hearty stew ideal for satisfying appetites.
Q. What’s the best way to develop deep flavor when making Kentucky burgoo?
Browning the meats thoroughly and sautéing the vegetables in the same pot create a foundation of flavor. Slow-simmering for several hours melds the meat and vegetable essences, resulting in the signature robust taste of traditional burgoo.
AI 채팅 아이콘