Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Hearty and comforting, Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe is the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly days. This rich and creamy soup combines tender steak, sautéed vegetables, and a delicious cheese sauce, making it a fantastic option for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Enjoy it with crusty rolls for dipping, and you’ll find this recipe quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation – With a prep time of just 20 minutes, you can have this delightful soup on the table in no time.
• Flavorful Ingredients – The combination of tender sirloin steak, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce makes each bite bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Dish – Great for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this soup suits any gathering.
• Comforting Experience – Perfectly hearty and satisfying, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
• Easily Customizable – Feel free to adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

To make the cooking process easier, gather these essential tools. They will help ensure that your soup turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven – Ideal for simmering the soup evenly while allowing enough space for all ingredients.
• Medium saucepan – Perfect for making the cheese sauce without crowding the ingredients.
• Whisk – Ensures smooth mixing when blending the cheese sauce components together.

Ingredients

Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Soup with tender steak, sautéed vegetables, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Serve with crusty rolls.

For the Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 pound sirloin steak, thinly sliced (against the grain)
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces shredded provolone cheese
• 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For Serving

• Crusty rolls, for dipping
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Extra shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers (both green and red). Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

Add the thinly sliced sirloin steak to the pot. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until browned while stirring frequently. Avoid overcrowding; brown in batches if necessary.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Pour in beef broth and add diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir well to combine while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Season the Soup

Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer then cover and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.

Step 6: Add Cheeses

Reduce heat to low. Stir in softened cream cheese until melted. Then add shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses gradually until completely melted and creamy.

Step 7: Combine Soup with Cheese Sauce

Slowly pour the cheese sauce into the soup base while stirring constantly to combine thoroughly.

Step 8: Final Adjustments

Heat through without boiling after adding cheese sauce. If too thick, add more beef broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered briefly until desired consistency is reached.

Step 9: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls. Top with extra shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with crusty rolls for dipping.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Serving Philly Cheesesteak Soup can elevate your dining experience, making it a delightful meal for family and friends. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance this comforting dish.

With Crusty Rolls

• Freshly baked or toasted rolls are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.

Topped with Extra Cheese

• Enhance the cheesiness by sprinkling extra shredded provolone or mozzarella on top just before serving, allowing it to melt slightly for a delicious finish.

Garnished with Fresh Parsley

• A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the soup.

Served in Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, hollow out small bread loaves and serve the soup inside. This makes for a hearty and visually appealing presentation.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• Pairing with a light side salad can balance the richness of the soup. Consider a simple mixed greens salad dressed with vinaigrette.

With Pickled Jalapeños

• Add some spice by serving pickled jalapeños on the side. They can be added directly to each bowl for those who enjoy a kick of heat.

How to Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

To make your Philly Cheesesteak Soup truly stand out, keep these tips in mind. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture possible.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and high-quality beef broth will greatly enhance the overall taste of your soup.

• Cut Steak Thinly: Slicing the sirloin steak against the grain ensures tenderness. Thin slices cook quickly and absorb flavors better.

• Simmer Gently: Allowing the soup to simmer slowly helps meld all flavors together without boiling, which can separate the cheese sauce.

• Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more beef broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency; if too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes.

• Balance Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for a perfectly seasoned dish every time.

Best Side Dishes for Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Philly Cheesesteak Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread

2. Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping and complements the creamy flavors of the soup wonderfully.

3. Caesar Salad

4. A classic Caesar salad offers crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons that contrast nicely with the rich soup.

5. Roasted Vegetables

6. Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth to your meal while being simple to prepare alongside your main course.

7. Potato Wedges

8. Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide an easy-to-make side that pairs nicely with cheesesteak flavors.

9. Stuffed Peppers

10. Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice offer a hearty complement that brings additional nutrition and flavor variety.

11. Coleslaw

12. A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the creaminess of the soup perfectly while being refreshing on the palate.

13. Cornbread

14. Sweet cornbread enhances comfort food vibes while absorbing some of that delicious cheesesteak flavor from dipping.

15. Vegetable Chips

16. Crunchy vegetable chips provide texture and are an excellent light snack option alongside this hearty soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Philly Cheesesteak Soup can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the steak properly can lead to less flavor in your soup. Make sure to cook the steak in batches if necessary to achieve that rich, caramelized taste.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking the vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Aim for just enough time to soften while retaining some crunch and flavor.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Tasting and adjusting seasonings is key. Don’t skip this step; flavors develop as they cook, so taste before serving.
• Adding Cheese Too Quickly: If you add cheese too fast, it can clump instead of melt smoothly. Stir in cheese gradually, allowing each addition to melt fully.
• Not Using Enough Broth: A thick soup can be delicious, but too thick means missing out on flavor. If your soup is too thick, feel free to add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Forgetting Garnishes: Garnishes like parsley or extra cheese enhance presentation and flavor. Don’t underestimate their impact—add them just before serving for freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup may expand as it freezes.

Reheating Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe pot until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring often until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Philly Cheesesteak Soup.

How do I make this Philly Cheesesteak Soup vegetarian?

You can substitute the beef with mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup actually tastes better after sitting as flavors meld together. Just store it correctly and reheat when ready.

What can I serve with this Philly Cheesesteak Soup?

This comforting soup pairs well with crusty rolls or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How spicy is this Philly Cheesesteak Soup?

The spice level depends on whether you include red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust it by omitting them or adding more according to your preference.

Can I freeze leftovers of my Philly Cheesesteak Soup?

Absolutely! Just ensure it’s stored properly in airtight containers as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

Philly Cheesesteak Soup is truly the ultimate comfort food recipe that combines hearty flavors and creamy textures into every bowl. It’s versatile enough for customization—add more veggies or use different cheeses according to your taste! Don’t hesitate; try this delightful recipe today!