Italian Mushroom Stew with Pork and Sausage | Utica Thing

If you’re from Upstate New York, you know Utica does comfort food right. This rich and hearty Utica Mushroom Stew is packed with tender pork, savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and loads of mushrooms simmered in a robust tomato sauce.

It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and brings everyone to the table fast. Rustic, bold, and deeply satisfying — this is comfort food at its finest.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Loaded with fresh mushrooms for deep, earthy flavor
• Hearty pork loin and Italian sausage
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for Sunday dinner or cold winter nights
• Even better the next day

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Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound pork loin, cubed
• 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or sweet), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• ½ cup water (plus more as needed)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 cans (12 oz each) tomato sauce
• 2 large green bell peppers, chopped
• 2 pounds mushrooms (portobello, porcini, shiitake, oyster, or a mix), chopped

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Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Add cubed pork loin and sliced sausage. Cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside if needed.

2. Build the Flavor

In the same pot, add onion and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Peppers & Mushrooms

Stir in chopped bell peppers and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to soften.

4. Simmer the Stew

Return pork and sausage to the pot.

Add:

• Tomato sauce
• Water
• Basil
• Oregano
• Bay leaf
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt & pepper

Stir well.

Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add additional water if needed for desired consistency.

5. Finish & Serve

Remove bay leaf before serving.

Serve hot with:

• Crusty Italian bread
• Over pasta
• With creamy polenta
• Or simply in a bowl with grated Parmesan on top

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Tips for the Best Mushroom Stew

• Use a mix of mushroom varieties for deeper flavor.
• Sweet sausage keeps it traditional, hot sausage adds a little kick.
• Let it simmer longer if you want richer flavor.
• This stew freezes beautifully.

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Make It Your Own

• Add a splash of red wine while sautéing vegetables.
• Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste for deeper richness.
• Top with fresh basil and shaved Parmesan before serving.
• Serve alongside a crisp green salad for balance.

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Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

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Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

This Utica Mushroom Stew is rustic, simple, and deeply satisfying — the kind of recipe that feels like it’s been passed down for generations.

If you make this recipe, let me know in the comments! I love seeing your cozy kitchen creations ❤️

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