Brunswick stew is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for using up your leftover Thanksgiving turkey carcass. This Southern classic transforms holiday leftovers into a comforting meal packed with smoky, savory goodness.
The beauty of Brunswick stew lies in its versatility—you can customize it with whatever vegetables and seasonings you have on hand, making it a great way to clean out your fridge after the big feast.
Using a smoked turkey carcass as a base creates a rich, homemade broth that serves as the heart of the stew. The slow simmer extracts all the deep flavors from the bones, ensuring every bite is infused with the essence of Thanksgiving. Add a mix of tender turkey meat, corn, tomatoes, and other staples to round out the dish, and you’ll have a meal that warms both body and soul.
Tips for Making Brunswick Stew:
- Start with a Homemade Broth: Simmer the turkey carcass with onions, garlic, celery, and carrots for a few hours. Strain the broth to remove bones and debris for a smooth, flavorful base.
- Use What You Have: Leftover vegetables like green beans, sweet potatoes, or roasted carrots make excellent additions to the stew.
- Add Smoked Meat: For authentic Brunswick stew flavor, include a bit of smoked meat like bacon or ham along with the turkey.
- Spice it Up: Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne can enhance the smoky, savory notes of the stew.
- Make It a Freezer Meal: Brunswick stew freezes well, so consider making a large batch and storing portions for busy nights.
This dish not only helps reduce food waste but also gives your family a fresh, delicious way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers.
This recipe turns your leftover Thanksgiving turkey carcass into a rich, comforting Brunswick stew. Packed with smoky flavor and hearty ingredients, it’s a delicious way to give your holiday leftovers new life.
I highly suggest using San Marzano tomatoes, they are the best!
Notes:
- Smoked Meat Option: For a more traditional flavor, add a cup of chopped smoked pork or bacon along with the turkey.
- Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to use green beans, sweet potatoes, or any leftover veggies from your Thanksgiving meal.
- Make-Ahead: The stew tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead for a richer flavor.
This Brunswick stew is a delicious, hearty way to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving while giving your leftovers a creative twist!
Leftover Turkey Brunswick Stew
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 leftover turkey carcass
- 8 cups water or enough to cover the carcass
- 1 onion quartered
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups turkey meat shredded (from the carcass or leftovers)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth reserved from the homemade broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups frozen or canned corn
- 1 cup frozen or canned lima beans
- 1 cup of okra optional
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hot sauce to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Place the turkey carcass in a large stockpot. Add water, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, skimming any foam from the top as needed.
- Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer, discarding the bones and vegetables. Reserve 2 cups for the stew and freeze the rest for future use.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, reserved broth, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine.
- Add the shredded turkey meat, corn, lima beans, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.
- Bring the stew to a simmer and let it cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
- Taste the stew and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or hot sauce as desired.
- Serve warm with crusty bread, cornbread, or biscuits on the side.
