Burgoo Stew – True Appalachian Flavor

Described as a thick and hearty hunter’s stew, Burgoo Stew is for the Appalachian meat-eater. The customary stew, which can be traced back to the 1700’s, took form in the hills & hollers of Appalachia, where the day’s hunt and bounty became that night’s dinner. A good stew consisted of plenty of protein – from rattlesnake to snapping turtle, deer to bear, all were thrown into the soup pot and simmered with fresh veggies and a blend of homegrown herbs and spices, adding plentiful mountain flavor until the medley of meat became tender.

The Burgoo Stew tradition is still stewin’ in Webster County. The Burgoo Cook-Off celebrates these fresh and flavorful mountaineer recipes with a competition that lets one’s taste buds decide. Competitors are required to toss in at least three different meats, fish or fowl per recipe.

Take a look below at previous years Burgoo Stew recipes!