1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Hearty Italian Mushroom Stew Recipe

Italian Mushroom Stew

Featured in Warm and Comforting Bowls.

This Italian Mushroom Stew brings the rustic flavors of Utica, NY right to your kitchen. The recipe starts with tender chunks of pork loin and sliced Italian sausage, slowly simmered with a mix of portobello, porcini, and shiitake mushrooms in a rich tomato sauce. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano add depth, while bell peppers and celery bring extra flavor and texture. Everything cooks together for nearly two hours, letting the flavors meld into a hearty, satisfying stew. Serve it over crusty Italian bread or pasta for a complete meal that gets even better the next day.
A smiling woman in an apron poses for a selfie in a professional kitchen.
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 11:52:45 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
Italian Mushroom Stew Pin it
Italian Mushroom Stew | tastygusto.com

Picture a pot of rich, deeply flavored stew simmering on the stove, filling your kitchen with aromas of mushrooms, herbs, and slow-cooked meat. This Italian Mushroom Stew, a treasured recipe from Utica, NY, transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Each spoonful delivers tender pieces of pork, meaty mushrooms, and a savory tomato-based sauce that begs to be soaked up with crusty bread.

I first discovered this recipe during a visit to Utica, where a friend's Italian grandmother served it on a cold winter evening. The way she ladled the steaming stew over thick slices of crusty bread made such an impression that I had to learn her technique. After many attempts to recreate her version, this recipe comes remarkably close to that memorable meal.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Mushrooms: Mix at least three varieties for the most complex flavor. Dried porcini adds incredible depth when rehydrated
  • Pork: Choose meat with some marbling - it becomes more tender during the long simmer
  • Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes make a difference in the sauce's flavor
  • Green Peppers: Traditional Cubanelle peppers add authentic flavor, but regular green peppers work well too
  • Fresh Herbs: Don't skip the fresh basil and parsley - they brighten the whole dish

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Perfect the Meat Browning
Let meat come to room temperature before cooking. Pat pieces completely dry for better browning. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Develop a deep golden crust for maximum flavor. Remove meat but leave those flavorful brown bits in the pot.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Use the same pot to keep all those good browned bits. Sauté vegetables until they're soft and translucent. Add garlic only in the final minute to prevent burning. Deglaze with water, scraping up every bit of flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Return meat to the pot with any accumulated juices. Add tomato sauce gradually, stirring between additions. Bring to a gentle boil before adding peppers. Add mushrooms last so they maintain their texture.

The Art of Mushroom Selection

Through much experimenting, I've found that combining different mushroom varieties creates layers of flavor you can't get from just one type. My favorite combination is portobello for meatiness, shiitake for earthiness, and a handful of rehydrated porcini for that intense woodsy flavor.

Temperature Control

The secret to this stew's success lies in maintaining a gentle simmer. I've learned (sometimes the hard way) that too vigorous a boil can make the meat tough and the mushrooms rubbery. A bare bubble breaking the surface is all you need.

Delicious Italian Mushroom Stew Pin it
Delicious Italian Mushroom Stew | tastygusto.com

Make-Ahead Magic

This stew actually improves with time. I often make it a day ahead and reheat it gently - the flavors become even more complex. Just be sure to add a splash of water when reheating, as the sauce tends to thicken in the refrigerator.

Serving Strategy

While many stews are served in bowls, this one traditionally goes over thick slices of Italian bread placed in shallow bowls or deep plates. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth while still maintaining some texture - it's absolutely delicious.

Close-up Italian Mushroom Stew Recipe Pin it
Close-up Italian Mushroom Stew Recipe | tastygusto.com

After making this stew through all seasons (yes, even summer!), I can say it's one of those recipes that never fails to comfort and satisfy. The key is taking your time with each step, especially the initial browning of the meat and the long, slow simmer. Remember, good stew can't be rushed - it needs time to develop those complex flavors that make it so special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What types of mushrooms work best in this stew?
Portobello, porcini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms are ideal. You can use any combination of these or even regular button mushrooms.
→ How long can I store leftover stew?
The stew keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and actually tastes better the next day. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
→ What should I serve with this stew?
Crusty Italian bread or pasta work great. Some people also like it with polenta or just a simple green salad on the side.
→ Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Add mushrooms in the last hour.
→ How do I thicken the stew if it's too soupy?
Let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to reduce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom.

Hearty Italian Mushroom Stew Recipe

This rustic Italian Mushroom Stew combines tender pork, Italian sausage, and a variety of mushrooms in a rich, hearty tomato-based sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
90 Minutes
Total Time
105 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Meats

01 1 pound pork loin, cut into cubes
02 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced (hot or sweet)

→ Vegetables

03 2 pounds mixed mushrooms, chopped (portobello, porcini, shiitake, oyster)
04 2 large green peppers, chopped
05 1 large onion, chopped
06 2 ribs celery, chopped
07 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce and Seasonings

08 2 cans (12 oz each) tomato sauce
09 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
10 2 teaspoons oregano
11 1 bay leaf
12 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
13 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
14 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
15 1 tablespoon olive oil
16 1/2 cup water

Instructions

Step 01

Grab your big stock pot and warm up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

Step 02

Toss in your cubed pork and sliced sausage. Cook them until they're not pink anymore, giving them a good stir now and then. Once they're done, take them out and set aside for a bit.

Step 03

In that same pot, throw in your garlic, onion, and celery. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until they start getting soft and smell amazing.

Step 04

Pour in the water and scrape up all those tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Put the meat back in, then add your basil, oregano, bay leaf, pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Let it come to a nice bubble.

Step 05

Once it's bubbling, add those green peppers and give it a good stir. Let it come back to a boil, then toss in all your mushrooms.

Step 06

Turn down the heat, pop the lid on, and let it simmer away for 1-2 hours. Give it a stir every 30 minutes to make sure nothing's sticking. If it looks too thick, splash in another 1/2 cup of water - you want it nice and soupy.

Step 07

Ladle it over some sliced Italian bread or pasta. Top with extra basil and some Parmesan if you're feeling fancy!

Notes

  1. This stew actually tastes better the next day, so it's perfect for making ahead
  2. You can freeze portions for up to 3 months
  3. Keep an eye on the liquid level while it simmers - you want it soupy, not too thick

Tools You'll Need

  • Large stock pot with lid
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons