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Kentucky Bourbon Burgoo

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

  1. Put 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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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