Easy Brunswick Stew (Make-Ahead Freezer Meal)

Comforting and full of flavor, this easy stew is the perfect meal for busy winter weeknights. This dish was created as a make-ahead freezer meal, but can easily be made from start to finish at one time (see Notes). Think of this the next time you need to take a meal to a friend—it sure beats a boring casserole! Serve with garlic Texas toast or cornbread.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
• Calories: 360 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
• 1 (32 ounce) container chicken stock
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large pieces
• 1 pound boneless pork chops, cut into large pieces
• 1 (15 ounce) package frozen corn
• 1 (15 ounce) package frozen lima beans

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine chicken, pork, tomatoes, corn, lima beans, barbecue sauce, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large, resealable freezer bag. Seal the bag and mix the contents until well combined. Freeze for up to one month.

Step 2

When ready to cook, remove bag from the freezer and allow contents to partially thaw until they can be broken apart, about 1 hour.

Step 3

Empty the bag into a Dutch oven and add chicken stock; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook, uncovered, until the stew has thickened slightly and the meat shreds easily with a fork, about 1 1/2 hours.

Step 4

Remove meat and shred with a fork. Return meat to the pot and serve immediately or keep warm until ready to serve.