If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that bursts with smoky, savory flavors, this Smoked Sausage & Turkey Brunswick Stew Recipe is your new go-to. It combines tender smoked sausage with juicy turkey, simmered in a rich tomato and BBQ-infused broth, loaded with tasty veggies like corn and lima beans. Perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, this stew delivers warmth, depth, and a delightful mix of textures that makes every spoonful utterly satisfying. Once you try this stew, it’s bound to become a permanent fixture in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for crafting the rich, bold taste of the Smoked Sausage & Turkey Brunswick Stew Recipe. Each item plays a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and character that make this dish so irresistible.
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds: Provides a smoky, savory base that keeps the stew hearty and full-flavored.
- 1 Tbsp oil: Used to sear the sausage, adding depth and a slight caramelization.
- 2½ cups cooked chopped turkey: Adds lean protein and a tender texture, perfectly complementing the sausage.
- 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes: Brings fresh, tangy notes and a bit of acidity to balance the richness.
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce: Creates a luscious, thickened base that ties all ingredients together.
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce: Infuses the stew with smoky sweetness and a touch of tang.
- 2 to 3 cups chicken broth: Helps achieve the perfect stew consistency with savory undertones.
- 1½ cups frozen corn: Adds poppy sweetness and a pop of color in every bite.
- 1½ cups frozen lima beans: Brings creamy texture and subtle earthiness to balance the dish.
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper: Adds just the right kick of heat to awaken the flavors.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Enhances the stew’s savory notes with a gentle warmth.
How to Make Smoked Sausage & Turkey Brunswick Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Start by heating the oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook it until it begins to brown. This step is crucial because browning the sausage not only locks in its flavor but also creates those irresistible caramelized bits that deepen the overall taste of the stew.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
Once your sausage is beautifully browned, toss in the cooked chopped turkey, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, frozen corn, and lima beans. Don’t forget to sprinkle in the cayenne and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil. The visual of all these vibrant ingredients mingling in the pot is just plain exciting—it’s the start of something delicious!
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes. This simmering stage allows all the flavors to marry beautifully and the beans and corn to cook through just right without losing their texture. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
How to Serve Smoked Sausage & Turkey Brunswick Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a fresh, vibrant touch to each serving. If you love a bit of extra zing, a dash of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the stew even further, making it personal and perfect to your taste.
Side Dishes
This stew shines on its own, but pairing it with some crusty bread or warm cornbread takes the meal to another level. The bread is perfect for mopping up every last flavorful drop. A simple side salad can also lighten the plate, balancing the stew’s rich, smoky notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy presentation, serve the stew in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top that melts into the hot stew. You could also hollow out small loaves of bread and ladle the stew inside for an impressive look that’s as fun to eat as it is to serve.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Smoked Sausage & Turkey Brunswick Stew Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen after sitting overnight, making leftovers an absolute treat.
Freezing
If you want to save some for much later, this stew freezes well. Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help loosen the stew if it thickened too much during storage. Microwave reheating works too; just cover loosely and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage besides smoked sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage brings a fantastic depth of flavor, you can substitute with kielbasa, andouille, or even a spicy sausage for a different twist. Just adjust cooking times if your sausage is raw.
Is it necessary to use cooked turkey, or can I use raw turkey?
This recipe calls for cooked chopped turkey to save time and ensure tender meat. Using raw turkey would require longer cooking, which could affect the stew’s texture. If you only have raw turkey, brown it first and then adjust the simmer time accordingly.
Can I make this stew vegetarian-friendly?
To create a vegetarian version, omit the smoked sausage and turkey and increase the amount of beans and vegetables. Substituting with smoked tofu or plant-based sausages can also add that smoky flavor everyone loves.
How spicy is this stew with the cayenne pepper?
The ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper adds just a subtle heat that enhances the stew’s overall flavor without overwhelming it. You can always adjust the amount up or down based on your heat preference.
What sides go best with the Smoked Sausage & Turkey Brunswick Stew Recipe?
Classic cornbread, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad work beautifully alongside this stew. They balance the smokiness and richness while offering texture and freshness to the meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Smoked Sausage & Turkey Brunswick Stew Recipe is just the thing. It’s quick to prepare, packed with layers of flavor, and sure to satisfy both family and friends. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite comfort food that brightens any day.
Print
Smoked Sausage & Turkey Brunswick Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This hearty Smoked Sausage & Turkey Brunswick Stew combines smoky sausage, tender turkey, vegetables, and a flavorful tomato base simmered to perfection. It’s a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings and serves eight, bringing the rich taste of Southern-style stew to your dinner table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2½ cups cooked chopped turkey
Vegetables and Beans
- 1½ cups frozen corn
- 1½ cups frozen lima beans
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce
- 2 to 3 cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 Tbsp oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a 6-quart Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage starts to brown and develop a nice sear, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the cooked chopped turkey, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, frozen corn, frozen lima beans, cayenne pepper, and black pepper into the Dutch oven. Pour in 2 to 3 cups of chicken broth depending on desired stew consistency.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to cook through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper.
- Use smoked sausage and turkey that are fully cooked to speed up the preparation.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, use less chicken broth or simmer a bit longer.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a fulfilling meal.
