What Is the Famous Kentucky Burgoo?

Kentucky burgoo might sound like a funky dance move, but it’s actually a staple dish in the region.

This oddly named meal is famous in the area. But what’s the big deal?

Today, we’re digging into the history of this tasty treat to bring you all the answers.

Let’s dive in!

What Is Kentucky Burgoo?

If you don’t live in the Ohio River Valley, you may not know about the classic dish called Kentucky burgoo. This hearty stew is chocked full of meat and veggies. It’s a rich, flavorful, and quintessential meal for folks in the Bluegrass State.

Most people have a recipe they swear by, and it seems no two are ever the same. However, certain elements are fundamental.

Ingredients typically include at least three proteins, such as beef, pork, and chicken. Others use more unusual meats, like pheasant, venison, and duck. Potatoes, corn, and lima beans are staples, but you may find versions with cabbage, peppers, and a whole host of spices. Some even use barbecue sauce as a secret ingredient.

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You can think of it as a take on Brunswick stew, only better.

Generally, recipes call for browning the meat in batches so each piece develops a flavorful outer layer. Then, you add beef broth, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pot. Finally, put your shredded meats, chopped veggies, and other ingredients back in the liquid and let it do its thing.

When you’re ready to dig in, serve it with a splash of your favorite hot sauce and a side of hot cornbread.

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Who Invented Kentucky Burgoo?

The origin of Kentucky burgoo is up for debate. Some claim a man named Gus Jaubert made it in big batches for Civil War soldiers on the battlefield. He allegedly used any animal he could trap, from squirrels to possums.

Many say that freed African Americans once made the stew for livestock auctions. Others credit Native Americans with the invention. Finally, you might hear rumors that people from England or Wales brought it over in the 1800s.

Part of what makes it difficult to trace the dish’s origins is that it’s so ubiquitous in the region. You’ll find it just about everywhere throughout Kentucky, Illinois, and the Ohio River Valley. And because there isn’t one precise recipe, the challenge is two-fold.

One thing generally agreed upon is that Kentucky burgoo is a humble dish. For centuries, people made it using whatever they could get their hands on. Today, it’s known for its hearty flavor. But historically, its primary purpose was all about sustenance and community.

And what about its peculiar name? Well, we don’t exactly know where that came from, either. However, most believe it’s a mispronunciation of “barbeque” or “bird stew.”

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Is Kentucky Burgoo Served at the Kentucky Derby?

We already know there’s some connection between this beloved meal and livestock auctions. But when horse races started gaining popularity, the dish really took off. Traveling cooks would set up at these events and make massive pots of stew for hungry spectators.

When the famous Kentucky Derby started in 1875, there was no looking back.

Kentucky burgoo became a staple for crowds gathering for the race. In fact, the chef at Churchill Downs mastered a recipe in the 1930s that they still use today. Pork, carrots, okra, thyme, sage, and Worcestershire sauce help give it its signature flavor.

The week of the race, they serve as much as 100 gallons of the good stuff. Some folks swear by it as an antidote to drinking too much bourbon, another regional standby. After all, nothing says Kentucky Derby quite like a mint julep and a bowl of burgoo.

Who Was Burgoo King?

Lexington native J.T. Looney was a local grocer known for his take on Kentucky burgoo. Some even referred to him as the Burgoo King. An equestrian decided to give his horse the same name in Looney’s honor.

Unfortunately, the stallion had a rough start on the tracks. He failed to place in several races, with his most outstanding achievement being a third-place title in the Pimlico Futurity. However, that all changed in 1932.

At the age of three, he scored a spot in the Kentucky Derby. Spectators didn’t think he had a shot against the other big names in the race. But with a new jockey, Eugene James, at the reins, Burgoo King pulled a major upset and beat the second-place horse by three lengths.

Despite this win, the champion didn’t go on to have much of a career. Some say he took the next two seasons off due to an injury. At five years old, he returned to the races, even winning a couple of titles. But his glory days were behind him.

He had a modest career as a stud horse, with one newspaper referring to him as “far from robust.” We like to remember him as the underdog who rose to the occasion.

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What Is the Burgoo Festival?

Of course, with such a widespread following, there must be a Kentucky Burgoo Festival. Each year in late September, locals gather in Lawrenceburg to celebrate the dish.

The weekend event includes live music and a carnival with rides and games. Young women vie for a crown in the beauty pageant. Folks show off their skills in the talent competition for a chance to take home cash and other prizes. And, naturally, there’s a ton of great grub.

Food trucks set up throughout the grounds, selling everything from funnel cakes to barbeque. You’ll usually find at least two vendors offering the honorary dish.

Other businesses at the festival include jewelers, boutiques, and distilleries. Farmers set up stands with fresh produce. You might even find a niche Monopoly board explicitly made for Anderson County. Whether you want to enjoy a bourbon tasting or pick up some new swag, you can do it here.

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Is Kentucky Burgoo Worth a Try?

Kentucky might be famous for its derby, but if you ask us, burgoo is a close second. Locals love this tasty dish for a good reason. It’s hearty, flavorful, and a downright tradition in these parts.

Head to the Bluegrass State for an authentic version, or whip up your own at home if you can’t make the trip. Either way, we suggest giving it a try. You might never look at stew the same way again!