Philly Cheesesteak Soup

Introduction

Get ready for a bowl of pure comfort! Our Philly Cheesesteak Soup takes everything you love about that iconic sandwich and transforms it into a warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying soup. Imagine tender slices of steak, caramelized onions, and bell peppers, all swimming in a creamy, cheesy broth. It’s truly a taste sensation that brings the spirit of Philadelphia right to your kitchen.

You might think a dish this flavorful would be complicated, but think again! This recipe is surprisingly easy to make. We’ve streamlined the process so you can enjoy all those rich, savory flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Most of the magic happens in one pot, making cleanup a breeze too. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

So, why wait? Grab your apron and prepare to be amazed. This Philly Cheesesteak Soup is about to become your new favorite comfort food. We promise you’ll love every single spoonful!

Cooking Time & Prep Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes

Small tip: Prepping all your ingredients before you start cooking, known as “mise en place,” will make the entire process smoother and faster.

Ingredients

This recipe makes 6 generous servings.

• For the Beef:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound thinly sliced sirloin steak or shaved beef (e.g., for cheesesteaks)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Aromatics:
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• For the Soup Base:
• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Cheese and Toppings:
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened and cubed
• Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for extra cheesiness)
• Optional: Toasted baguette slices or croutons for serving
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Beef

   Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak, season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside on a plate. It will finish cooking in the soup.

   Small tip: Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure it browns nicely and doesn’t steam.

2. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

   Add butter to the same pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Step 3: Make the Roux

   Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables. Stir well for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and coat the vegetables. This step creates a roux, which will thicken our soup beautifully.

4. Step 4: Build the Soup Base

   Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the milk, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until well combined.

5. Step 5: Simmer the Soup

   Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

6. Step 6: Add the Cheese

   Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts and is fully incorporated, making the soup extra creamy. Then, gradually add the shredded provolone (and cheddar, if using), stirring until all the cheese has melted into a smooth, luscious broth.

   Small tip: Always add cheese off the heat or on very low heat to prevent it from clumping or becoming oily.

7. Step 7: Combine and Serve

   Return the cooked beef to the pot and stir to combine. Ladle the hot Philly Cheesesteak Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with toasted baguette slices or croutons for dipping. Enjoy your warm and hearty meal!

Tips & Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch (use 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water as a slurry, added at Step 4). Ensure your beef broth is also gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Option: For a delicious vegetarian version, omit the beef. Instead, use sliced portobello mushrooms or a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms, sautéing them until golden brown. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also opt for a plant-based cream cheese and shredded cheese alternative.
• Add More Veggies or Protein: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, spinach, or even a handful of frozen corn kernels during Step 2 for extra nutrients and flavor. For more protein, you could add cooked chicken breast, shredded, at the end.
• Spicy Version: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in Step 2. You can also include a dash of hot sauce or a finely diced jalapeño pepper when serving.
• Extra Cheesy Topping: For an authentic cheesesteak experience, consider placing a slice of provolone cheese directly on top of each bowl of hot soup and letting it melt slightly before serving. A quick blast under the broiler can also create a nice bubbly, golden crust.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 25g

Please note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Health Benefits

This Philly Cheesesteak Soup isn’t just delicious; it also offers some great health benefits from its key ingredients!

The star of the show, beef, is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscles, and hormones. It’s also packed with vital nutrients like iron, crucial for oxygen transport in the blood, and B vitamins (B12, niacin, B6), which play a key role in energy metabolism and nerve function.

Onions and bell peppers add a wonderful burst of flavor and a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants. Onions contain vitamin C, promoting immune health, and quercetin, a powerful antioxidant. Bell peppers, especially red ones, are incredibly rich in vitamin C, even more than an orange! They also provide vitamin A, important for vision and immune function.

While cheese should be enjoyed in moderation, it contributes calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth. It also provides additional protein. The broth base helps keep you hydrated and can be soothing, especially if you opt for a bone broth which offers collagen benefits.

Overall, this soup provides a balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and a good serving of vegetables, making it a satisfying and nourishing choice.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairing: Serve with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices for dipping into the rich, cheesy broth. Garlic bread is also a fantastic option!
• Lighten it Up: A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Hearty Meal: This soup is substantial enough to be a stand-alone main course. A small bowl could also work as a starter for a larger meal.
• Add Crunch: Top with homemade croutons or even a few crushed potato chips for an unexpected texture contrast.
• Cheesesteak Style: For an extra special touch, serve in hollowed-out bread bowls!

Storage Tips

Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick after refrigeration, you can add a splash of beef broth or milk to thin it out. You can also freeze this soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Conclusion

There you have it – a truly spectacular Philly Cheesesteak Soup that brings all the iconic flavors of the beloved sandwich into a comforting, delicious bowl. It’s rich, it’s creamy, and it’s packed with tender beef, sweet onions, and colorful peppers. This soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming you up on a chilly evening or satisfying a craving any time of year.

Don’t let the deliciousness intimidate you; this recipe is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable to make. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can create such a flavorful and impressive dish right in your own kitchen. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

So, go ahead and give this Philly Cheesesteak Soup a try. Gather your loved ones, share a warm bowl, and create some wonderful memories around the dinner table. Happy cooking, and enjoy every last spoonful!