Philly Cheesesteak Soup Recipe

If you’re someone who loves the iconic flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but wants something cozy and soul-soothing, this Philly Cheesesteak Soup is going to be your new favorite comfort food. Imagine tender strips of sirloin sizzling with sweet onions and colorful bell peppers, all swimming in a rich, cheesy broth that’s both hearty and satisfying. This soup beautifully captures everything that makes a cheesesteak great – the juicy steak, melty cheese, and that perfect balance of savory and spice – but in a luscious bowl you can cozy up to any time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, Phoilly Cheesesteak Soup will become your go-to for chilly evenings and easy dinner parties alike, because it’s as delicious as it is welcoming.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Philly Cheesesteak Soup lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together effortlessly. From the tender sirloin steak to the creamy cheese blend, every component is essential to achieving that perfect balance.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is your base for sautéing and a subtle flavor enhancer.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup as it caramelizes.
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Provides a fresh, slightly bitter contrast that lights up the dish.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
• 1 pound sirloin steak, thinly sliced: The star protein — make sure to slice against the grain for tenderness.
• 8 cups beef broth: Creates the hearty, savory soup base brimming with meaty flavor.
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Introduces acidity and richness to balance the cheese.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Packs umami and depth that elevate the soup.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an aromatic earthiness that complements the beef perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle kick of heat.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Enhances all the flavors.
• 4 tablespoons butter: The base of your creamy cheese sauce.
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce to silky perfection.
• 3 cups milk: Creates a luscious, creamy texture in the sauce.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds rich tang and creaminess.
• 8 ounces shredded provolone cheese: Melts smoothly with a mild, savory flavor.
• 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese: For gooey stretch and mild creaminess.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses warm aromatic notes in the cheese sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory depth of the soup.
• Crusty rolls, for dipping: A must-have to mop up every delicious bite.
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a burst of freshness and color.
• Extra shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese: For topping and extra cheesy goodness.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and both green and red bell peppers. Let them cook slowly until they soften and start caramelizing, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial since it builds the sweet and savory foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Brown the Sirloin Steak

Once your veggies are perfectly tender, add the thinly sliced sirloin. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring often until the steak develops a beautiful, brown crust. To keep that perfect sear, avoid overcrowding the pot, working in batches if necessary. This step locks in all that juicy, meaty flavor you want in your Philly cheesesteak soup.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the beef broth along with the diced tomatoes and their juices. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—they’re pure gold here. Then add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and if you like a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Adjust with salt and pepper, bring to a simmer, cover, and let it gently bubble away for 30 minutes up to an hour to allow all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

While the soup simmers, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes to make a roux, which will thicken your cheese sauce perfectly. Slowly whisk in the milk, little by little, until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Turn the heat low, then add the softened cream cheese and stir until it completely melts. Next, add the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese gradually, stirring until your sauce is luxuriously creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Pour the cheese sauce into the soup pot slowly, stirring constantly to mix everything smoothly. Warm the soup through on low heat—don’t let it boil now or the cheese can separate. If it feels too thick, thin it with a splash more broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered a little longer to thicken it up. When it’s just right, you’re ready to serve your Philly Cheesesteak Soup.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley instantly brightens every bowl and adds a pop of color. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, topping your soup with a handful of extra shredded provolone or mozzarella melts right on top for a cheesy finish that’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

Crusty rolls or a fresh baguette are essential to round out the meal. They’re perfect for dipping and soaking up all that creamy, beefy goodness. A simple green salad also pairs nicely, offering a fresh, crisp counterbalance to the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, consider serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to delight your guests with an edible container. You can also layer the garnishes so each bowl has a colorful presentation of herbs and cheese, or pass extra shredded cheese at the table for everyone to customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Philly Cheesesteak Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. As the soup rests, the flavors continue to deepen, making leftovers even tastier the next day.

Freezing

While freezing is an option, be aware that cheese-based soups can sometimes change texture once thawed. If you want to freeze it, cool the soup completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of beef broth or milk to bring it back to that perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for the Philly Cheesesteak Soup?

Yes, you can substitute sirloin with ribeye or even thinly sliced flank steak. Just make sure to slice against the grain to keep the meat tender and flavorful.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

While this recipe relies on beef broth and steak for its signature flavor, you could try substituting with vegetable broth and mushrooms to mimic the texture and umami, though it won’t be a traditional Philly Cheesesteak Soup.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, try using plant-based milk and cream cheese substitutes, and skip the shredded cheeses or use vegan cheese alternatives. Keep in mind, the creamy texture will change but can still be delicious.

How spicy is the soup with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add only a subtle heat that enhances the flavors without overwhelming the dish. You can easily omit them if you prefer a milder soup.

Can this soup be served cold?

This soup is best enjoyed warm to bring out all the rich, melty cheese and tender steak flavors. Serving it cold would mute some of those comforting qualities.

Final Thoughts

Making Philly Cheesesteak Soup is like creating a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for when you want something special but easy to prepare. It delivers all the flavor-packed goodness of a classic cheesesteak but in a cozy, spoonable form that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try on your next chilly night—you might just find yourself making it again and again, sharing a little edible piece of Philly comfort wherever you go.

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