Kentucky Bourbon Burgoo
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
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This authentic Kentucky bourbon burgoo is a celebratory, high-protein stew that captures the soulful flavours of the American South. Traditionally prepared for large gatherings, this slow-cooked dish features a rich medley of pork, veal, beef, lamb, and chicken. The long simmering process allows the meats to become incredibly tender, creating a thick, savoury base that is further enhanced by the sweetness of the bourbon and a deep, complex tomato broth.
Packed with garden vegetables including okra, lima beans, and cabbage, this nutrient-dense meal is both comforting and satisfying. It is the ultimate one-pot feast for a crowd, offering a unique historical flavour that improves even further the following day. Serve this hearty stew in deep bowls with a side of crusty bread or cornbread to soak up every drop of the spiced gravy.
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Ingredients for Kentucky Bourbon Burgoo
900g pork shank
900g veal shank
900g beef shank
900g breast of lamb
1 (4-pound) chicken
7.6L cold water
675g potatoes
675g onions
1 bunch carrots, peeled and sliced thickly
2 green peppers, seeded and chopped
2 cups chopped cabbage
0.9L tomato puree
300g whole corn, fresh or canned
2 pods red pepper
2 cups diced okra
1/2 cup chopped parsley
2 cups dry lima beans
100g diced celery
80g Kentucky bourbon
Salt and pepper
Tabasco
Steak Sauce
Worcestershire sauce
How to make Kentucky Bourbon Burgoo
Back to contentsPut the pork, veal, beef, lamb, and chicken into a large pot. Add the water and bring it to a boil slowly. Simmer until meat is tender enough to fall off the bones, about 4—6 hours.
Lift the meat out of the stock. Cool the meat, remove it from the bones, and chop it. Return the chopped meat to the stock.
Pare the potatoes and onions and dice them. Add them, plus the carrots, green peppers, cabbage, tomato puree, corn, red pepper, okra, parsley, lima beans, celery, and bourbon, to the meat and stock. Allow the stew to simmer until very thick about 6 hours.
Season to taste with the salt, pepper, Tabasco, steak sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
28 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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