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Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

5.1 from 19 reviews

Philly Cheesesteak Soup is a hearty, comforting dish inspired by the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. It combines tender slices of sirloin steak, caramelized onions and bell peppers, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with provolone and mozzarella. This soup is perfect for chilly days, offering the familiar flavors of the beloved sandwich in a warm and satisfying bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup 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

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
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

To Serve

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and both bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Brown the Steak: Add thinly sliced sirloin steak to the pot. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, until steak is browned. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning rather than steaming.
  3. Combine Soup Ingredients: Pour in beef broth and add diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance flavor.
  4. Season and Simmer: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour for full flavor development.
  5. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux that will thicken the cheese sauce.
  6. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, ensuring smooth consistency before adding more. Continue whisking until sauce is smooth and thickened.
  7. Incorporate Cheeses: Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth. Gradually add shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until each addition melts completely, creating a creamy sauce.
  8. Season Cheese Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings according to preference.
  9. Combine Soup and Cheese Sauce: Slowly pour cheese sauce into the soup pot, stirring constantly to blend evenly.
  10. Heat Through: Warm the combined soup gently, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling after adding cheese sauce to prevent separation.
  11. Adjust Consistency: If soup is too thick, add extra beef broth to thin. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce liquid to desired thickness.
  12. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Top with extra shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with crusty rolls for dipping.

Notes

  • Slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
  • To prevent the steak from steaming rather than browning, cook in batches if needed.
  • Use full-fat cheeses and cream cheese for richest flavor and smoothest sauce.
  • Optional red pepper flakes add mild heat; omit for a milder soup.
  • Avoid boiling the soup after adding cheese to prevent curdling.
  • Crusty rolls or garlic bread complement this soup perfectly for dipping.

Nutrition

Keywords: Philly cheesesteak soup, comfort food, creamy soup, steak and cheese soup, easy dinner recipe