EASY PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SOUP

Craving the irresistible taste of a Philly Cheesesteak but in a cozy, comforting bowl? Imagine tender beef, sautéed peppers and onions, all swimming in a creamy, cheesy broth that tastes exactly like the sandwich you love, but in soup form! This Philly Cheesesteak Soup recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to become a family favorite – trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound sirloin steak, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)

Toppings (optional):

• Shredded provolone cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Hot sauce
• Crusty bread, for serving

Let’s Get Started: Prepping for Cheesesteak Perfection!

Okay, friend, before we even think about turning on the stove, let’s get our ingredients prepped and ready to go. This makes the whole cooking process smoother and faster, trust me! Thinly slicing the steak is key, so if you have trouble, pop it in the freezer for about 20 minutes – it’ll be much easier to handle. Chop those veggies, mince that garlic, and measure out your spices. We got this!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Steak and Veggies:

   Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pot; work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Remove the steak from the pot and set aside.

   Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

2. Build the Soup Base:

   Pour in the beef broth and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Simmer and Infuse the Flavors:

   Return the cooked steak to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

4. Create the Creamy, Cheesy Goodness:

   Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and milk (or half-and-half) to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. This step is *crucial* for that authentic Philly Cheesesteak flavor. Make sure the cream cheese is softened, or you’ll end up with lumps!

5. Serve and Enjoy Your Masterpiece:

   Ladle the Philly Cheesesteak Soup into bowls. Top with shredded provolone cheese, chopped green onions, and a dash of hot sauce, if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.

Secrets to the BEST Philly Cheesesteak Soup EVER!

Listen, I’ve made this soup *a lot*, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to take it from good to absolutely AMAZING. Here are my best insider tips:

• Quality of Beef: Don’t skimp on the beef! Sirloin is great, but you can also use ribeye for an even richer flavor.
• Thinly Sliced Steak is KEY: I cannot stress this enough! The thinner the steak, the better it will incorporate into the soup and the more authentic it will taste.
• Don’t Overcook the Steak: We want it browned, not tough. Overcooked steak will be chewy and detract from the overall experience.
• Softened Cream Cheese is a MUST: Trust me on this one. Cold cream cheese will clump and won’t melt properly into the soup.
• Taste as You Go: Seasoning is everything! Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, pepper, and other spices to your liking.
• Spice it Up! A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce adds a lovely kick.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Provolone is classic, but you could also use mozzarella or even a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Caramelized onions would also be a fantastic addition.

Variations: Let’s Make it Your Own!

The beauty of soup is that it’s so versatile! Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your own tastes and preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Soup: Add a diced jalapeno pepper to the pot along with the onions and bell peppers.
• Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak Soup: Add sliced mushrooms to the pot along with the onions and bell peppers.
• Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Soup: Add an extra cup of shredded cheese to the soup at the end.
• Low-Carb/Keto Philly Cheesesteak Soup: Substitute cauliflower rice for the potatoes (if you were to add potatoes) and use a low-carb thickener, if needed.
• Try a Different Cheese: While provolone is traditional, feel free to experiment! A mild cheddar or even a smoked gouda can add a delicious twist.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal!

This Philly Cheesesteak Soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a complete and satisfying meal:

• Crusty Bread: Essential for dipping and soaking up all that delicious broth!
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Because, why not? Extra cheese is always a good idea.

Other Soups You Might Enjoy

If you’re a soup lover like me, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite soup recipes. For a creamy and comforting option, try Jalapeno Popper Soup. If you’re in the mood for something hearty and satisfying, Beef Stew is always a winner. For another cheesy delight, give Cheeseburger Soup Bliss a try. Or, if you are looking for something with pasta, try Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. And if you want the same flavor profile as this dish in pasta form, consider Philly Cheesesteak Pasta! Maybe even try a Creamy Outback Potato Soup!

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storing: Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute or so to prevent it from splattering.
• Freezing: While you *can* freeze this soup, the texture of the cream cheese may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Get Ready to Devour Your Homemade Philly Cheesesteak Soup!

There you have it, my friend! A simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying Philly Cheesesteak Soup recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be intimidated – this recipe is easier than it looks, and the end result is absolutely worth it. So grab your ingredients, put on some music, and let’s get cooking! I know you can do it, and I can’t wait to hear how much you love it! Happy cooking!