Cozy Up with Pennsylvania's Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

When the chill of a Pennsylvania winter sets in, there's nothing like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and joy to your table. One of the most beloved dishes in the Keystone State is the hearty Beef Vegetable Soup. This isn’t just any soup; it's a bowl full of rich flavors, packed with tender beef and a medley of fresh vegetables that make each spoonful a delightful experience. It's the perfect remedy for those cold days or whenever you need a taste of home.

Photo byNick Davies

The Heart of Pennsylvania in Every Spoonful

Imagine a pot simmering on the stove, filling the kitchen with the aroma of slowly cooked beef and vegetables. The Beef Vegetable Soup is more than just a meal—it's a tradition that brings people together, especially during the colder months. In Pennsylvania, where comfort food reigns supreme, this soup is a staple. It combines the best of local ingredients, showcasing the state's agricultural bounty and the hearty flavors that have been passed down through generations.

Recipe: Pennsylvania-Style Beef Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add the carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Add the potatoes, green beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir in the bay leaf and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Serve: Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.

A Bowl of Pennsylvania Comfort

What makes this Beef Vegetable Soup special is its versatility and heartiness. It's a dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether it's a snowy evening or a rainy day, this soup brings the essence of Pennsylvania's comfort food to your table. It's easy to make and full of wholesome ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Every bite of this soup is a reminder of the rich culinary traditions of Pennsylvania. It's a dish that has stood the test of time, bringing warmth and comfort to generations. So, grab a spoon and dive into a bowl of this Pennsylvania classic—it's more than just soup; it's a taste of home.

Sources:

Family Recipe