Hearty Pepperoni Stew: A Flavorful Journey in Every Bite
Crafting a comforting and flavor-packed Hearty Pepperoni Stew is a delightful culinary adventure. Discover the perfect blend of ingredients, preparation techniques, and serving suggestions in this definitive guide.
As the cooler weather arrives, I turn to this hearty Tuscan pepperoni stew, featuring a blend of fresh scallions, bell pepper, garlic, and Italian seasonings.
Packed with flavor and low in carbs, this filling stew invites you to gather ground beef, pepperoni, mushrooms, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano, and black pepper.
Brown the meat, sauté the veggies, and let the stew simmer for a taste sensation that perfectly captures the essence of Tuscan warmth.
The wonderful part about this stew is that it can be thrown together with minimal effort during the busy work-week or tossed into the slow-cooker before heading off to work in the morning. If you prepare the meat ahead of time and freeze it, you can add the frozen meat to the slow cooker.
While this dish doesn’t really need a side, crusty garlic bread goes really well with it.
How to Make Hearty Tuscan Style Pepperoni Stew
You’ll Need:
1 lb Ground Beef (or turkey, venison, etc)
4 oz pepperoni slices, cut into quarters
8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 large bell pepper, diced finely
1 bunch scallions, washed & thinly sliced
1 Tbs Minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
1 tsp Olive oil
1- 6oz can Tomato Paste
1- 28oz can Crushed Tomatoes, undrained
4 c. Chicken Broth (about 2 cans)
1 tsp Dried Basil (or 1 Tbs Fresh chopped)
1 tsp Dried Oregano (or 1 Tbs Fresh chopped)
1 tsp Freshly ground Black Pepper
Optional: Fresh Shredded Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheeses
- Brown the ground meat in a large skillet, over medium heat, until no longer pink, carefully drain any excess grease.
- Add the bell pepper and scallions to the hot pan, sauteing for about a minute.
- Add the minced garlic, basil, oregano, and black pepper, stirring well to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the mixture.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock/broth, tomato paste, and quartered pepperoni, stirring well until thoroughly mixed.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the fresh mushrooms, cook an additional 3-5 minutes until mushrooms. Remove from heat, let sit 5 minutes, then serve with freshly grated cheeses and hot garlic breadsticks.
Crockpot or Slow Cooker Directions:
Brown the ground meat in a large skillet, over medium heat, until no longer pink, carefully draining any excess grease; Add the green onions and bell pepper and saute for about a minute.
Add the minced garlic, basil, oregano, and black pepper, stirring well to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the mixture. Pour the seasoned meat mixture into the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients, stirring well.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
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Cooking Methods
Whether you prefer stovetop efficiency or the hands-off approach of a slow cooker, this stew adapts seamlessly to your chosen cooking method. Versatile and convenient, tailor the recipe to your schedule.
Flavorful Additions
Elevate your stew with optional ingredients like fresh herbs or a splash of red wine. Personalize it to suit your taste buds, creating a culinary masterpiece.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Pepperoni Stew with crusty garlic bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Explore diverse accompaniments, enhancing the dining experience with every bite.
Health and Dietary Notes
Make mindful choices by opting for lean meats or exploring plant-based alternatives. This stew offers a nutritious balance, catering to various dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.
Hearty Pepperoni Stew Recipe Print Now


Hearty Tuscan Style Pepperoni Stew
Equipment
- 6 quart Saucepot or Crockpot
- Knife and Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or turkey, venison, etc)
- 4 oz pepperoni slices (cut into quarters)
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 large green pepper (diced finely)
- 1 bunch scallions (washed & thinly sliced)
- 1 Tbs Minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 tsp Olive oil
- 1- 6 oz can Tomato Paste
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes (canned undrained)
- 4 cup Chicken Broth (about 2 cans)
- 1 tsp Dried Basil (or 1 Tbs Fresh chopped)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano (or 1 Tbs Fresh chopped)
- 1 tsp Freshly ground Black Pepper
- Optional: Fresh Shredded Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheeses
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a large skillet, over medium heat, until no longer pink, carefully drain any excess grease.1 lb Ground Beef
- Add the bell pepper and scallions to the hot pan, sauteing for about a minute.1 large green pepper1 bunch scallions
- Add the minced garlic, basil, oregano, and black pepper, stirring well to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the mixture.1 Tbs Minced garlic1 tsp Olive oil1 tsp Dried Basil1 tsp Dried Oregano1 tsp Freshly ground Black Pepper
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock/broth, tomato paste, and quartered pepperoni, stirring well until thoroughly mixed.4 oz pepperoni slices1- 6 oz can Tomato Paste28 oz Crushed Tomatoes4 cup Chicken Broth
- Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the fresh mushrooms, cook an additional 3-5 minutes until mushrooms. Remove from heat, let sit 5 minutes, then serve with freshly grated cheeses and hot garlic breadsticks.Optional: Fresh Shredded Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheeses8 oz fresh mushrooms
Crockpot or Slow Cooker Directions:
- Brown the ground meat in a large skillet, over medium heat, until no longer pink, carefully draining any excess grease; Add the green onions and bell pepper and saute for about a minute.
- Add the minced garlic, basil, oregano, and black pepper, stirring well to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the mixture. Pour the seasoned meat mixture into the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients, stirring well.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Equipment
If you altered the ingedients above by doubling or tripling the recipe, you may also need to change the pan/dish size and adjust the cooking/baking time.
Nutrition
We invite you to infuse your personal touch into this recipe. Share your experiences with Hearty Pepperoni Stew and any unique variations you’ve discovered. Perhaps you have a cherished family story connected to this dish – we’d love to hear about it.