Name: Utica Mushroom Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound cubed pork (from pork loin); 1 pound Italian sausage (sliced, hot or sweet); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 large onion (chopped); 2 ribs celery (chopped); 1/2 cup water; 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped); 2 teaspoons oregano; 1 bay leaf; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 2 cans 12 oz tomato sauce; 2 large green peppers (chopped); 2 pounds mushrooms (chopped, portobello, porcini, shiitake, oyster)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to fall in love with a rich, aromatic, and unbelievably satisfying comfort dish, let me introduce you to Utica Mushroom Stew. Packed with layers of flavor from hearty pork, mouthwatering Italian sausage, and a medley of tender mushrooms, this stew is something special. Whether you’re cooking for Sunday dinner or meal-prepping for a busy week ahead, this stew fills your kitchen with warmth and your bowl with pure Italian-American soul.

Utica Mushroom Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Utica Mushroom Stew shines because of its simple, honest ingredients. Each one brings something wonderful—aromatics for depth, fresh herbs for vibrance, and a heart of mushrooms and meat that make every bite irresistible.

Olive oil: A touch of richness and classic flavor to get things started—use a good, fruity olive oil for depth.
Cubed pork (from pork loin): Tender, lean chunks give body and savory heft to the stew.
Italian sausage (hot or sweet): Sliced and sizzling, sausage infuses spice and a layer of meaty, herby goodness.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic builds the foundation of unmistakable Italian flavor.
Onion: Chopped onion sweats out sweetness and pulls everything together.
Celery: Provides subtle earthiness and a bit of texture in every spoonful.
Water: Just enough to deglaze and keep the stew juicy and luscious.
Fresh basil: Chopped basil lends the stew its signature fresh, peppery aroma.
Oregano: A couple teaspoons for that unmistakable Italian flavor profile—dried works perfectly.
Bay leaf: Adds subtle depth and a whisper of herbaceous warmth as the stew simmers.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a pop of gentle heat, sprinkle these in if you like things spicy.
Salt and pepper: Season as you cook—taste as you go!
Tomato sauce (canned): Goes in to make everything rich, red, and just a little tangy.
Green peppers: Their sweetness and crunch are essential for color and flavor.
Mushrooms (portobello, porcini, shiitake, oyster): Two whole pounds! Use a mix for the boldest, earthy flavor and irresistible texture.

How to Make Utica Mushroom Stew

Step 1: Heat Up the Oil

Start by warming a large, sturdy stock pot over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it get nice and shimmery. This is the beginning of building those layers of flavor—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Brown the Pork and Sausage

Add the cubed pork and sliced Italian sausage to the hot oil. Stir frequently, allowing the meat to brown beautifully on all sides. Once the pork is no longer pink and the sausage is fragrant and golden, scoop the browned meat out and set it aside for a few minutes. This quick sear locks in the flavors you’ll taste throughout the finished Utica Mushroom Stew.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, toss in your minced garlic, chopped onion, and chopped celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables just start to soften and their fragrances fill your kitchen. This simple step takes the stew from ordinary to extraordinary.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Now, pour in the half cup of water to deglaze, stirring and scraping up every delicious browned bit stuck to the bottom of the pot. These are pure flavor, so make sure nothing gets left behind!

Step 5: Add Back the Meat and Build the Base

Return the beautifully browned pork and sausage to the pot. Sprinkle in the fresh basil, oregano, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and plenty of black pepper. Pour in your tomato sauce and stir everything together until it looks gloriously red and smells incredible. Bring it all to a gentle boil to marry those flavors.

Step 6: Time for Green Peppers

Add in the chopped green peppers and stir well, letting them mingle with the simmering stew. They’ll soften and lend their sweetness to every bite.

Step 7: Fold in the Mushrooms and Simmer

Once you’ve got a good boil going again, stir in your mountain of chopped mushrooms. Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let the Utica Mushroom Stew gently bubble away for 1 to 2 hours. Check in every half hour or so—give it a stir and add a splash more water if things look too thick. The finished stew should be soupy but hearty.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the rich, chunky Utica Mushroom Stew over thick slices of crusty Italian bread or your favorite pasta. Top it off with extra fresh basil or a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese, if you’re feeling fancy. Every spoonful is pure, cozy delight.

How to Serve Utica Mushroom Stew

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a final flurry of chopped fresh basil, a handful of grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your bowl of Utica Mushroom Stew a showstopper. Not only do these extras add beautiful color, but they also elevate the flavors—don’t skip them!

Side Dishes

Utica Mushroom Stew shines brightest with simple sides: thick slices of toasted Italian bread (for dunking!) or a twirl of al dente pasta work best. A crisp green salad or a bowl of garlicky sautéed greens make excellent, refreshing companions too.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really wow your guests, try serving the stew in hollowed-out bread bowls or alongside a platter of grilled polenta rounds. For a festive dinner, consider topping each serving with a runny poached egg or even a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Utica Mushroom Stew actually gets better after a night in the fridge! Simply cool the stew completely, then transfer to a covered container. It keeps well for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen beautifully, making your leftovers just as crave-worthy as day one.

Freezing

This stew is a meal-prepper’s dream! Portion cooled Utica Mushroom Stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It will keep perfectly for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for another delicious bowl.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer the Utica Mushroom Stew back to a pot and warm gently over low heat, stirring often until steaming hot. You can also reheat individual bowls in the microwave—just cover loosely and stir halfway through. Add a splash of water if it looks a little thick.

FAQs

Can I make Utica Mushroom Stew vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the pork and sausage, and substitute with your favorite plant-based sausage or even a can of drained, rinsed cannellini beans for extra body. The medley of mushrooms keeps the stew hearty and satisfying without meat.

What types of mushrooms work best in this stew?

The more variety, the better! Mushrooms like portobello, shiitake, oyster, and porcini each offer unique textures and depths of flavor. Use whatever mix you can find—just be sure to chop them evenly for even cooking.

Is Utica Mushroom Stew spicy?

It depends on your sausage selection and whether you use red pepper flakes. For a mild stew, choose sweet Italian sausage and skip the flakes. Love a little heat? Go for hot sausage and don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes!

How can I make the stew more soupy or thicker?

If you want a thinner, soupier consistency, simply add an extra half cup of water while simmering. For a thicker, chunkier stew, leave the lid off for the last 20 minutes to let it reduce a bit—just keep an eye on it and stir often.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Utica Mushroom Stew is the perfect dish to scale up. Just be sure to use a very large pot and allow some extra simmering time to let all those flavors come together, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying Utica Mushroom Stew enough—the combination of savory sausage, tender pork, and an entire market’s worth of mushrooms is simply irresistible. Every spoonful promises warmth, comfort, and a little taste of upstate New York tradition. Give it a try, share it with friends or family, and let it become a cold-weather favorite in your own home!

Utica Mushroom Stew Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A hearty and flavorful Utica Mushroom Stew recipe that combines pork, Italian sausage, and a variety of vegetables and spices simmered to perfection. This stew is comforting and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal.

Instructions

Heat a large stock pot over medium heat. Add 1 T olive oil. Brown the cubed pork and sliced sausage in the oil. Stir until no longer pink. Remove the browned meat and set aside for a few minutes.
In the same pot add the garlic, onion and celery. Saute for 5 minutes until the vegetables just start to soften.
Add the water to the stock pot and stir to deglaze. Make sure no bits of meat or vegetables are stuck on the bottom of the pot.
Return the meat to the pan, along with the basil, oregano, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Add the two cans of tomato sauce to the pot and stir well. Bring to a boil.
Once the pot has reached a boil add the green peppers and stir well.
Bring back to a boil. Once the stew has reached a boil again add the mushrooms and stir well. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 1-2 hours. Check the pot every half hour, stir, and make sure the stew is not sticking to the bottom. If it is too thick add another 1/2 cup of water. The stew should have a soupy consistency.
Serve over sliced Italian bread or pasta. Top with more basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Stewing
Cuisine: Italian-American