What is Peposo? A Taste of Tuscan History

Peposo, aptly named from the Italian word “pepe” (meaning pepper), is a rustic and beloved beef stew originating from Impruneta, a charming town in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. This traditional dish has humble roots, crafted centuries ago by kiln workers who needed a hearty, long-cooking meal that could simmer unattended while they worked. They used readily available, inexpensive ingredients, slow-cooking them for hours to transform tough cuts of beef into something truly extraordinary.

The beauty of authentic Peposo lies in its simplicity and the power of a few core ingredients: succulent beef, an abundance of fresh garlic, generous amounts of coarsely ground black pepper, and quality red wine. This minimal ingredient list creates an incredibly deep, intensely spicy, and full-bodied flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a testament to Tuscan cooking: pure, uncomplicated, and absolutely delicious. This makes our slow cooker version an ideal choice for both busy weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings, delivering that authentic Italian taste with minimal effort.

Why Make Peposo in a Slow Cooker? Effortless Perfection

While traditional Peposo is often cooked in an earthenware pot for hours, the slow cooker is truly its modern-day counterpart, bringing out the best in this classic Tuscan beef stew. Here’s why the slow cooker method is a game-changer for your Peposo:

• Unrivaled Tenderness: The low and slow cooking process breaks down the tough connective tissues in the beef, resulting in meat that is unbelievably tender and literally melts in your mouth. You won’t achieve this level of tenderness with faster cooking methods.
• Deep Flavor Infusion: Hours of simmering allow the flavors of the red wine, garlic, black pepper, and herbs to fully meld and penetrate every fiber of the beef. The sauce becomes incredibly rich and complex, developing a depth that only time can create.
• Hands-Off Cooking: The biggest advantage for busy cooks! Simply combine the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and walk away. There’s no need for constant stirring or monitoring, freeing up your time for other tasks.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Unlike many beef stews that require searing the meat beforehand, this Peposo recipe goes straight into the slow cooker. This not only saves time but also reduces cleanup, making the whole process even simpler.
• Perfect Consistency: The slow cooker maintains a consistent, gentle heat, preventing the sauce from reducing too quickly or becoming too thick, ensuring a perfect, luscious gravy every time.
• Energy Efficiency: Slow cookers use less energy than traditional ovens or stovetop cooking for extended periods, making it an economical choice for long-simmered dishes.

Key Ingredients for Your Authentic Peposo

The full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card below, but let’s delve into some essential tips for selecting the best components to make your slow cooker Peposo truly shine:

• Beef Cut: We recommend a chuck roast for this slow cooker Peposo recipe. Its marbling and connective tissue break down beautifully over low heat, yielding incredibly tender, rich meat. Other excellent choices include a round roast (top or bottom) or tri-tip roast, which also maintain a delightful tenderness in the slow cooker. Avoid leaner cuts of beef, as they tend to dry out, while beef steaks can become overly soft rather than retaining a satisfying texture in a long cook.
• Red Wine: This is the backbone of your Peposo’s incredible sauce and is absolutely crucial for the authentic taste. A dry, robust red wine is key. Chianti is the traditional choice and highly recommended for its classic Tuscan character. If Chianti isn’t available, opt for another dry red wine such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or even a good quality Sangiovese. Remember, always cook with a wine you’d enjoy drinking, as its flavor will concentrate in the stew.
• Black Pepper: The very essence of Peposo! Using coarsely ground black pepper is essential. It provides the dish with its characteristic spicy kick and aromatic warmth. Freshly ground pepper will offer the most intense flavor, so consider grinding whole peppercorns just before adding them.
• Garlic: An abundant amount of garlic is fundamental to that real Tuscan taste. Don’t be shy! We’re talking several cloves, thinly sliced, to infuse the entire stew with its pungent, sweet aroma. If you desire an even more intense garlicky flavor, feel free to add an extra clove or two.
• Rosemary and Bay Leaves: These aromatic herbs contribute a subtle, earthy depth that complements the richness of the beef and wine. Fresh rosemary is always preferred for its vibrant aroma.
• Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning the dish. Add it to taste, especially at the end of cooking, as the flavors will have concentrated.

Preparation in 4 Simple Steps

Preparing this Slow Cooker Peposo is remarkably straightforward, requiring minimal hands-on time for maximum flavor. Here’s how you’ll assemble this delicious Tuscan beef stew:

What to Serve with Peposo: Perfect Pairings

Peposo is a wonderfully rich and satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Its robust sauce is just begging to be soaked up! Here are some classic and delightful serving suggestions:

• Fresh Crispy Ciabatta Bread: Absolutely essential! A crusty Ciabatta is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible, peppery red wine sauce. You won’t want to waste a single bit!
• Fresh Pasta: For a truly hearty and filling meal, serve your Peposo over fresh pasta. Wide, flat noodles like pappardelle or tagliatelle are ideal, as their surface area helps to hold onto the rich sauce. Rigatoni or gnocchi are also fantastic options.
• Creamy Polenta: A traditional Italian accompaniment, creamy polenta provides a smooth, mild contrast to the bold flavors of the Peposo. It’s a comforting combination that’s deeply satisfying.
• Roasted Vegetables: Complement the rich stew with a side of vibrant roasted vegetables. Think along the lines of Italian roasted vegetables from the oven, such as bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or asparagus, seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich beef stew, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Mashed Potatoes: If you’re looking for a universally loved side, creamy mashed potatoes are always a hit. They are excellent for soaking up the savory sauce.

Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Peposo

Mastering this Slow Cooker Peposo recipe is easy, but a few insider tips can elevate your dish from delicious to absolutely unforgettable:

• No Slow Cooker? No Problem! If you don’t own a slow cooker, you can still make this fantastic Peposo. Prepare it in a heavy-bottomed roasting pan or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. Cook it in your oven at 320 °F (160 °C) for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender.
• Make Ahead for Enhanced Flavor: Peposo is one of those magical dishes that tastes even better the next day! The flavors have more time to marry and deepen, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or entertaining. Prepare it a day in advance and gently reheat.
• Adjusting for a Larger Portion: While the “2x” button on recipe cards often works wonders, a slow cooker recipe requires a slight adjustment. If you double the amount of meat, keep the other core ingredients (garlic, pepper, herbs) largely the same, but add an extra ¼ cup (50 ml) of red wine to ensure enough liquid for simmering. You might also need to extend the cooking time slightly.
• Low vs. High Setting: While you can cook Peposo faster on the HIGH setting (typically 4-5 hours), the LOW setting (6-8 hours) consistently yields the most tender, flavorful results. The extended, gentle cooking process on low truly breaks down the beef perfectly and allows for maximum flavor development.
• Storage and Reheating:
  • Refrigerator: Store any leftover Peposo in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: This dish freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, transfer Peposo to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Defrost frozen Peposo slowly in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or extra red wine if the sauce has become too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave.
• Wine Substitutions: If you prefer not to use wine, or simply don’t have any on hand, you can replace the red wine with beef stock. For an added layer of acidity and depth, stir in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
• Browning the Beef (Optional): While not strictly necessary for this slow cooker method, some cooks prefer to quickly sear the beef pieces in a hot pan with a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step can add an extra layer of caramelized flavor, but rest assured, the Peposo will still be incredibly flavorful without it.

Did you make this delicious Slow Cooker Peposo recipe? We’d love to see your culinary creations! Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card below! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration for comforting, easy meals?

• You can find video recipes and cooking tutorials on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save your favorite recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time you’re planning a meal!

Andréa

More Slow Cooker Comfort Food Recipes

If you loved the ease and deliciousness of this Slow Cooker Peposo, you’re in for a treat! The slow cooker is a fantastic tool for creating rich, flavorful, and hands-off meals. Explore more of our favorite slow cooker recipes that bring comfort and convenience to your kitchen: