One-Pot Boerewors Bredie – A South African Comfort Classic with a Flavorful Twist

Few meals speak to the soul of South African home cooking quite like a hearty boerewors bredie. This rich, savoury one-pot wonder is everything you want in a comforting stew: tender meat, bold spices, hearty vegetables, and a thick, satisfying gravy—all simmered to perfection in a single pot.

This One-Pot Boerewors Bredie is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from your grandmother’s kitchen. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and absolutely packed with flavour. Whether you’re looking to explore traditional South African cuisine or just want a quick family dinner that delivers every time, this bredie belongs in your meal rotation.

Who This Recipe Is For

This recipe is made for:

• Busy home cooks who want one-pot meals with minimal cleanup.

• Fans of South African food looking to recreate nostalgic flavours at home.

• Beginner chefs wanting to learn a classic stew that’s hard to mess up.

• Families on a budget, because this dish stretches a few ingredients into a feast.

If you love robust meals that simmer gently into comfort food perfection, this bredie is going to become one of your favourites.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Boerewors Bredie

• Only 10 ingredients – most of which are pantry staples.

• One pot = less mess – ideal for quick weekday cleanups.

• Feeds a crowd – or makes delicious leftovers.

• Customisable – add your own flair with extra veg or a touch of heat.

• Authentically South African – made with the iconic boerewors sausage and signature spice profile.

Ingredients at a Glance

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this rustic and satisfying dish:

• 650g boerewors – South Africa’s beloved spiced beef sausage.

• ½ onion, diced

• 1 tbsp crushed garlic

• 1 tbsp mild curry powder

• 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs

• 1 tin (410g) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp Maggi Lazenby Worcestershire Sauce – adds depth and umami.

• 1 cup beef stock

• 2 carrots, cut into chunks

• 1 potato, cubed

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

One of the best parts of this recipe is how little equipment it requires. Here’s what to have on hand:

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven

• Sharp knife

• Cutting board

• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula

• Measuring spoons and cups

• Ladle (for serving)

Optional:

• Garlic press (if not using pre-crushed garlic)

• Chopping bowl for garnishes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Boerewors

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the boerewors sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping occasionally until browned all over. Remove it from the pot, slice it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base

Remove any excess oil from the pot, leaving a thin layer to cook the aromatics. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until golden. Stir in the garlic, mild curry powder, and dried mixed herbs. Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

Pour in the crushed tomato, Maggi Worcestershire Sauce, beef stock, and ½ cup of water. Stir well to combine. Add the carrots and potato, then cover and let the stew simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender.

Step 4: Add Back the Boerewors

Return the sliced boerewors to the pot and simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes. This helps the gravy thicken and lets the sausage absorb the rich stew flavours.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with warm dombolo, pap, or rice. A crusty bread roll also works beautifully to soak up the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Fridge: Store any leftover boerewors bredie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer: You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat.

Pairing Suggestions

This stew pairs beautifully with:

• Dombolo (steamed bread) – the ultimate companion to soak up the rich sauce.

• Pap (maize meal porridge) – for an authentic South African experience.

• Rice or mashed potatoes – simple, satisfying base options.

• Side Salad – to add a fresh crunch and balance the richness.

For drinks, try:

• A glass of bold red wine like Shiraz or Pinotage.

• Ginger beer or sparkling apple juice for a non-alcoholic option.

• Traditional South African rooibos tea with lemon for a comforting finish.

Variations and Swaps

Looking to mix things up? Try these substitutions:

• Add beans – like butter beans or kidney beans for extra protein and bulk.

• Go spicy – add chopped chilli or a touch of cayenne for heat.

• Try a different sausage – if boerewors isn’t available, use a high-quality beef or lamb sausage.

• Bulk it out – add green beans, peas, or sweetcorn for a veggie boost.

• Make it creamy – stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of coconut milk at the end for a different twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is boerewors?

Boerewors is a traditional South African sausage made with coarsely ground beef and a blend of spices such as coriander, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. It’s known for its spiral shape and robust flavour.

Can I use a different sausage?

Yes, but it’s best to use a sausage with a bold flavour. Spicy beef or lamb sausages work well. Avoid overly processed sausages that may fall apart during cooking.

Is this recipe spicy?

This version is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add heat by increasing the curry powder or adding chopped fresh chilli.

What is a bredie?

“Bredie” is a South African term for a stew, typically slow-simmered and packed with rich, deep flavours. It usually includes meat, vegetables, and a fragrant spice mix.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, like many stews, this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavours meld.

Final Thoughts

The One-Pot Boerewors Bredie is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a celebration of South African heritage and homestyle cooking. With its rich gravy, perfectly spiced sausage, and hearty vegetables, this is the kind of dish that brings people together around the table.

Whether you’re revisiting flavours from your childhood or discovering them for the first time, this easy stew is bound to become a comfort food favourite in your home.