Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Hearty and comforting, Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe is perfect for chilly evenings and gatherings with friends and family. This rich soup combines tender sirloin steak, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce, making it an irresistible dish that warms the soul. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or simply craving something delicious, this soup promises to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting warmth: This soup provides a hearty meal that warms you up from the inside out.
• Rich flavors: The combination of steak, cheese, and spices creates a deep and satisfying taste experience.
• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time!
• Versatile serving options: Pair it with crusty rolls for dipping or enjoy it on its own.
• Perfect for leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for preparing the cheese sauce separately, ensuring a creamy texture.
• Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly when making the roux and cheese sauce.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

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

For the 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, for a little heat)
• 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
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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 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.

Step 2: Cook Sirloin Steak

Add the thinly sliced sirloin steak to the pot. Increase heat to medium-high. Stir frequently until browned; avoid overcrowding to ensure proper browning.

Step 3: Combine Broth and Tomatoes

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

Step 4: Season the Soup

Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Make Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour; cook while stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 6: Add Milk Gradually

Gradually whisk in milk (about 1/2 cup at a time), ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Keep whisking until smooth.

Step 7: Blend in Cream Cheese

Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese; stir until melted. Then add provolone and mozzarella cheeses gradually while stirring until smooth.

Step 8: Flavor the Cheese Sauce

Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed based on your preference.

Step 9: Combine Cheese Sauce with Soup Base

Slowly pour the cheese sauce into the pot with soup base while stirring constantly until combined.

Step 10: Heat Through

Gently heat through while stirring occasionally until hot but do not boil after adding cheese sauce; this prevents separation.

Step 11: Adjust Consistency

If too thick, add more beef broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered for several minutes to evaporate some liquid.

Step 12: Serve

Ladle Philly Cheesesteak Soup into bowls. Top with extra shredded cheese and 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 is all about enhancing its rich and hearty flavors. This warm, creamy soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings that can elevate your dining experience.

With Crusty Rolls

• Perfect for Dipping: Crusty rolls are ideal for dipping into the delicious soup. Their texture complements the creamy broth.

Topped with Extra Cheese

• Cheesy Goodness: Adding extra shredded provolone or mozzarella on top before serving creates a gooey, melty experience that cheese lovers will adore.

Garnished with Fresh Parsley

• A Touch of Freshness: Chopped fresh parsley not only adds color but also a refreshing flavor that balances the richness of the soup.

With a Side Salad

• Light and Crisp: A simple side salad made with mixed greens helps to cut through the creaminess of the soup, providing a nice contrast.

Paired with Pickles

• A Tangy Crunch: Serve pickles on the side for a tangy crunch that complements the savory flavors of the soup.

As Part of a Comfort Food Spread

• Comfort Food Feast: Consider serving this soup as part of a larger comfort food meal, alongside favorites like mac and cheese or loaded baked potatoes.

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

To create the best version of Philly Cheesesteak Soup, consider these helpful tips that can make all the difference in flavor and texture.

• Use Quality Meat: Choosing high-quality sirloin steak enhances the overall taste and texture of your soup.
• Sauté Vegetables Properly: Take your time when cooking the onions and bell peppers. Proper caramelization adds depth to the flavor.
• Adjust Thickness to Preference: If you prefer thicker soup, allow it to simmer uncovered for a bit longer. For thinner consistency, add more broth gradually.
• Incorporate Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings throughout cooking for optimal flavor.
• Mix Cheese at Low Heat: When adding cheese, keep the heat low to prevent it from separating. Stir continuously until smooth.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove for best results.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Philly Cheesesteak Soup can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice; garlic bread delivers buttery goodness that complements every spoonful of soup.

2. Caesar Salad
   A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons adds freshness and pairs well with rich flavors.

3. Sweet Potato Fries
   Sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast to savory soup while adding a delightful crunch.

4. Baked Potatoes
   Simple baked potatoes can be loaded with toppings like sour cream or chives for added flavor alongside your soup.

5. Roasted Veggies
   Seasoned roasted vegetables offer an earthy side that balances out the creamy nature of the soup.

6. Cornbread Muffins
   Soft cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up soup while adding a touch of sweetness to your meal.

7. Stuffed Peppers
   Stuffed bell peppers filled with grains and spices make for a hearty side dish that pairs beautifully with cheesesteak flavors.

8. Macaroni Salad
   A creamy macaroni salad provides an excellent contrast in texture and offers cold relief against warm soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Philly Cheesesteak Soup can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes and how you can avoid them:

• Using tough cuts of meat: Always choose tender cuts like sirloin for the best results. Tougher cuts can result in chewy soup.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Sauté the onions and peppers just until softened. Overcooking can lead to mushy textures that detract from the soup’s flavor.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup as it cooks. Adjusting seasonings like salt and pepper is crucial for a balanced flavor.
• Rushing the cheese sauce: Take your time when melting the cheeses. Adding them too quickly can cause clumping instead of a smooth sauce.
• Skipping the simmering step: Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld flavors together. Don’t skip this step, even if you’re in a hurry.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• It is best consumed within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Philly Cheesesteak Soup:

What is Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe?

Philly Cheesesteak Soup is a creamy and hearty dish inspired by the classic sandwich. It features tender steak, sautéed vegetables, and rich cheese sauce.

Can I customize my Philly Cheesesteak Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like mushrooms or switch up the cheeses based on your preference.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and replace steak with mushrooms or a plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian version.

Can I use leftover steak for this recipe?

Yes! Leftover cooked steak works great in this recipe. Just add it during the last stages of cooking to heat through without overcooking.

What should I serve with Philly Cheesesteak Soup?

Crusty rolls or breadsticks are perfect for dipping into this comforting soup.

Final Thoughts

Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe is not only hearty but also versatile. It’s perfect for cold days or whenever you crave something satisfying. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or cheeses to make it your own!