Philly Cheese Steak Soup

Who says you can’t have all the deliciousness of a classic Philly cheese steak in a soup? This Philly Cheese Steak Soup combines the rich, savory flavors of a Philly cheese steak with the cozy comfort of a creamy soup. You’ll get the taste of tender beef, melty cheese, and sweet bell peppers, all in a warm, hearty bowl that’s perfect for chilly nights. It’s like diving into a cheese steak sandwich—without the bread—but still every bit as delicious. Trust me, this soup is a game-changer that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Why You’ll Love Philly Cheese Steak Soup

This recipe isn’t just a soup—it’s an experience. If you’re a fan of Philly cheese steaks (who isn’t?), then you’re going to love this fun twist! Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Comforting and Hearty: Perfect for when you’re craving something warm, filling, and satisfying. It’s a soup that’s as rich and hearty as any sandwich, so you won’t be left hungry.
• Rich and Flavorful: Packed with beef, onions, peppers, and creamy cheese, this soup is the perfect mix of savory, creamy, and just a touch of sweetness from the peppers. It’s a flavor explosion in every spoonful!
• Easy to Make: Don’t let the richness fool you—it’s actually pretty simple to make! With just a few steps, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup stores well, so it’s a great meal to make ahead and reheat for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week. Plus, the flavors get even better the next day!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this decadent Philly Cheese Steak Soup:

Beef Sirloin or Ribeye:

Tender beef is key! Thinly sliced to replicate that authentic Philly cheese steak bite, this beef will be your flavor-packed base.

Bell Peppers:

Colorful bell peppers—green, red, or yellow—add a sweet crunch that perfectly complements the creamy soup.

Onion:

A classic Philly cheese steak ingredient, sautéed onions bring in that sweet, caramelized flavor that elevates the soup.

Garlic:

Adds depth and richness to the soup’s flavor. It’s garlic—need I say more?

Beef Broth:

The base of the soup. Beef broth gives that deep, meaty flavor that makes this soup feel like a heartier meal.

Heavy Cream:

This is where the creamy factor comes in. It creates a rich, velvety texture that makes every spoonful feel indulgent.

Cream Cheese:

A little bit of cream cheese mixed into the soup helps it get extra creamy, adding a touch of tangy goodness that balances the richness.

Shredded Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese:

This is where you get the cheese factor of a Philly cheese steak. Provolone works wonderfully, but mozzarella also melts beautifully if you prefer it.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking and turn these ingredients into a soup that tastes just like a Philly cheese steak!

1. Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced beef and cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Leave a little bit of beef drippings in the pot for flavor!

2. Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, add a bit more oil or butter if needed. Toss in the diced onions and bell peppers, and sauté until they soften and begin to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the Broth

Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any bits of beef or veggies stuck to the bottom of the pot. Bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes.

4. Creamy Base

Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the soup. Then add the heavy cream and stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

5. Add the Beef Back In

Return the cooked beef to the pot and stir to combine. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

6. Add the Cheese

Finally, stir in the shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese and cook until it melts completely, giving the soup that luscious, cheesy texture we all love.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of this Philly cheese steak-inspired soup!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Philly Cheese Steak Soup

This rich, comforting soup pairs well with several sides to complete the meal. Here are a few serving ideas to take it to the next level:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread to dip in the soup. The crispy bread soaks up the creamy broth beautifully.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Cheese Topping: Garnish each bowl with extra shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
• Pickles: A few crunchy pickles on the side add a nice, tangy bite that balances the creamy soup.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make your Philly Cheese Steak Soup even better:

• Use Ribeye for Extra Flavor: Ribeye beef gives a bit more flavor and tenderness compared to sirloin, but both will work perfectly in this soup.
• Slow Cooker Version: You can make this soup in a slow cooker! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the broth. Let it cook on low for 4 hours before adding the cream and cheese.
• Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños to the soup.
• Leftovers: This soup stores beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A1: Yes! You can use whatever cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or gouda. Provolone and mozzarella give the most authentic Philly cheese steak flavor, but feel free to get creative!

Q2: Can I make this soup vegetarian?

A2: You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the beef and using vegetable broth. You could add extra mushrooms or plant-based meat for a similar texture and flavor.

Q3: Can I freeze Philly Cheese Steak Soup?

A3: Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and let it cool completely before freezing. Reheat on the stove when ready to enjoy.

Q4: What can I use instead of cream cheese?

A4: You can use mascarpone cheese, ricotta, or even sour cream in place of cream cheese. Each will provide a slightly different flavor, but it will still be creamy and delicious.

Q5: Can I make this in advance?

A5: Yes! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving and add the cheese just before serving for the best melt.

Q6: Can I make this soup spicier?

A6: Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick.

Q7: Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

A7: Definitely! You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies and flavor.

Q8: How can I thicken the soup?

A8: To thicken the soup, you can add a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water, or you can let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.

Q9: Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beef?

A9: Yes, ground beef works well too! Brown it in the pot and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Q10: Can I make this soup in a pressure cooker?

A10: Yes! You can make it in a pressure cooker by following the same steps for browning the beef and sautéing the veggies. Then, add the broth, seal the lid, and cook on high for 10 minutes. Release the pressure, add the cream and cheese, and simmer to finish.

Conclusion

This Philly Cheese Steak Soup is an absolute winner! With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and hearty ingredients, it’s like having your favorite cheese steak in a bowl. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. So, grab your ingredients, heat up that pot, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!

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