Hearty Italian Sausage & Ham Stoup
This Hearty Italian Sausage & Ham Stoup is a delicious twist on traditional Italian flavors blended into a thick, comforting stew. Packed with savory Italian sausage, a medley of cured meats, and hearty pasta, this recipe is perfect for family dinners on chilly evenings. Enhanced by the vibrant taste of Italian-style diced tomatoes and homemade chicken stock, this stoup offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It's not just a meal; it's a warm hug in a bowl, ideal for pairing with crusty bread and a fresh salad. Simple to prepare and full of rich flavors, your family will ask for this stoup time and again!
6-8 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage
3/4 lb (Browning and crumbled)
Ham steak
1/2 lb (Diced)
Pepperoni
1/4 lb (Diced)
Diced tomatoes (Italian style)
15 ounces (Canned)
Chicken stock
6 cups (Homemade or store-bought)
Short-cut pasta
1 lb (Any preferred shape)
Instructions
1
In a large stew pot or Dutch oven, brown and crumble the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the diced ham steak and pepperoni to the pot and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3
Stir in the Italian-style diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken stock.
4
Increase heat to bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
5
Once boiling, stir in the short-cut pasta and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Once done, serve hot with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Italian Sausage & Ham Stoup?
It is a thick, comforting dish that blends traditional Italian flavors, savory sausage, cured meats, and pasta into a cross between a soup and a stew.
What does the term stoup mean?
A stoup is a culinary term for a dish that is thicker than a soup but thinner than a traditional stew.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What type of Italian sausage should I use?
You can use sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage depending on your personal heat preference.
How much Italian sausage is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 pound of Italian sausage.
How should the ham steak be prepared?
The 1/2 pound ham steak should be diced into bite-sized pieces before cooking.
How much pepperoni is needed?
You will need 1/4 pound of diced pepperoni.
Can I use store-bought chicken stock?
Yes, you can use either homemade or your favorite store-bought chicken stock.
How many cups of chicken stock are used?
This recipe requires 6 cups of chicken stock.
What are Italian-style diced tomatoes?
These are canned tomatoes that come pre-seasoned with Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and garlic.
Do I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, add the 15-ounce can of Italian-style diced tomatoes along with their juice for maximum flavor.
What is short-cut pasta?
Short-cut pasta refers to smaller shapes like elbows, rotini, penne, or fusilli rather than long strands like spaghetti.
How much pasta should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of your preferred short-cut pasta shape.
How long does it take to brown the sausage?
It typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes to brown and crumble the sausage over medium-high heat.
When do I add the ham and pepperoni?
Add the ham and pepperoni to the pot after the sausage is fully cooked and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.
When should I add the pasta?
Add the pasta once the mixture of stock, tomatoes, and meat has reached a vigorous boil.
How long does the pasta take to cook?
The pasta should cook for 8 to 10 minutes until it reaches an al dente consistency.
What does al dente mean?
Al dente is an Italian term describing pasta that is cooked to be firm to the bite rather than soft.
Why is it important to stir the stoup while the pasta cooks?
Stirring occasionally prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Should I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, always taste the stoup once the pasta is done and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
What should I serve with this stoup?
It pairs perfectly with crusty bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, with simple preparation and a relatively short cooking time, it is ideal for busy weeknights.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A large stew pot or a Dutch oven is recommended to accommodate the volume of ingredients.
Is this stoup good for cold weather?
Absolutely, its hearty nature makes it an ideal comfort food for chilly evenings.
Can I use a different type of stock?
While chicken stock is recommended, you can substitute vegetable or beef stock if you prefer.
What texture can I expect from this dish?
Expect a rich and chunky texture filled with meat, pasta, and a savory broth.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, you can easily add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Does the pasta absorb the liquid over time?
Yes, as it sits, the pasta will absorb more broth; you may need to add a splash of water or stock when reheating.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the familiar flavors of pasta, sausage, and mild tomatoes generally make it a hit with children.