Philly Cheesesteak Soup: A Hearty Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

What is Philly Cheesesteak Soup?

A classic flavor, comforting soup.

Philly Cheesesteak Soup is an ingenious culinary invention that distills the essence of the famous Philly cheesesteak sandwich into a steaming, comforting bowl. Imagine all the savory flavors you love from thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and bell peppers, all melded into a rich, creamy broth, topped with melted provolone or your favorite cheese. This isn’t just a soup; it’s an experience that captures the heart of Philadelphia’s iconic street food culture, reimagined for the soup lover. It delivers that distinctive savory flavor profile, making it a hearty soup perfect for any season, especially when you’re seeking a filling and flavorful meal.

This savory dish moves beyond merely replicating ingredients; it focuses on recreating the entire taste sensation. Each spoonful of this cheesesteak soup brings forward the tender bits of steak, the sweetness of sautéed vegetables, and the irresistible melt of cheese, all enveloped in a deeply flavorful broth. It’s a genius way to enjoy a classic without the bread, providing a comforting soup experience that’s both familiar and excitingly new. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the original sandwich or just looking for an innovative meal, this soup promises a delightful journey for your taste buds, truly embodying the spirit of a comfort food classic.

Why make this hearty cheesesteak soup?

Easy and quick to prepare.

One of the primary reasons to embrace this Philly Cheesesteak Soup recipe is its incredible ease and speed of preparation. In today’s fast-paced world, finding a recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor but still fits into a busy schedule is a true gem. This simple recipe streamlines the cooking process, allowing you to create a gourmet-level meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From the initial chop of vegetables to the final creamy stir, each step is straightforward and designed for efficiency. You won’t need specialized skills or complex techniques; just a desire for delicious, cheesy goodness in a warm bowl.

Perfect for chilly evenings.

Beyond its convenience, this hearty cheesesteak soup is the quintessential dish for those chilly evenings when all you crave is warmth and comfort. Imagine coming home from a long day to the enticing aroma of steak, melted cheese, and aromatic vegetables simmering gently. This soup provides a soothing warmth that permeates from the inside out, making it an ideal choice for fall, winter, or any time you need a culinary hug. The rich, flavorful broth, combined with tender steak and creamy cheese, creates a satisfying and substantial meal that wards off the cold. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that nourishes both body and soul, transforming a simple dinner into a moment of pure, cozy indulgence. Follow Carina Recipes on Pinterest for more inspiring recipes and ideas!

Gather ingredients for cheesesteak soup.

The essentials: beef, cheese, veggies.

To create this magnificent Philly Cheesesteak Soup, you’ll want to start with the stars of the show. For the beef, look for thinly sliced steak, such as sirloin, ribeye, or even shaved beef from your local butcher. The thinner the slices, the more tender and integrated the beef will be within the soup. When it comes to cheese, provolone is traditional for its melty texture and mild, slightly sharp flavor, but you can also experiment with white American cheese or even a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar for a different cheesy goodness. Fresh vegetables like green bell peppers, onions (yellow or white), and mushrooms (optional, but highly recommended for depth) form the aromatic base, providing essential sweetness and earthy notes that balance the richness of the steak and cheese.

Pantry staples for flavor.

Beyond the core ingredients, a few pantry staples are crucial for building the soup’s robust flavor profile. Beef broth or stock will be the backbone of your soup, so choose a good quality option. Garlic, a universal flavor enhancer, is non-negotiable. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami depth that complements the beef beautifully. A touch of all-purpose flour helps to thicken the broth slightly, giving it a more luxurious mouthfeel. Lastly, heavy cream is added at the end to create that irresistible creamy finish, binding all the elements together into a cohesive, creamy texture. Salt and black pepper will, of course, be essential for seasoning to taste, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly balanced. These ingredients combine to deliver a truly memorable and satisfying meal.

Quick prep for Philly Cheesesteak Soup.

Just fifteen minutes needed.

One of the most appealing aspects of making Philly Cheesesteak Soup is its remarkably short preparation time. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can get all your ingredients ready to go, typically within just fifteen minutes. This rapid prep makes it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners when time is often a luxury. The key to this efficiency lies in simple chopping and gathering. Thinly slice your steak, dice the onions and bell peppers, mince your garlic, and measure out your broth and cream. Having everything prepped and ready before you start cooking (a method known as mise en place) significantly speeds up the cooking process. This minimal initial effort allows you to transition smoothly into the cooking stages, paving the way for a delicious meal without any undue stress. It’s truly a quick dinner solution for the entire family.

Start your Philly Cheesesteak Soup.

Sautéing vegetables first.

The foundation of any great soup begins with a flavorful aromatic base, and Philly Cheesesteak Soup is no exception. Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat with a swirl of olive oil or a knob of butter. Add your diced onions, bell peppers, and optional mushrooms. Sauté these vegetables until they become tender and slightly caramelized, typically about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it coaxes out the natural sweetness from the onions and softens the peppers, building a complex depth of flavor that will permeate the entire soup. Don’t rush this part; patience here will pay off immensely in the final taste. Once tender, stir in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This aromatic trio creates the perfect canvas for the forthcoming steak and broth.

Browning the beef steak.

After the vegetables are beautifully sautéed, it’s time to introduce the star: the beef steak. Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pot or remove them temporarily. Add your thinly sliced beef to the hot pot, ensuring it’s in a single layer if possible, to allow for even browning. Season the beef lightly with salt and pepper at this stage. Cook the beef for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned on all sides. You want a good sear to lock in the savory flavors. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the pot if necessary. Then, return the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the beef and mix everything together. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This light coating will help thicken your soup to a perfect consistency later on, ensuring every spoonful is rich and satisfying. Learn more about beef broth and its culinary uses.

Simmering your delicious beef broth.

Let flavors combine slowly.

Once your vegetables are sautéed and your beef is perfectly browned, the next critical step is to introduce the beef broth. Pour the high-quality beef broth directly into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. These “fond” bits are packed with concentrated flavor and will significantly contribute to the overall richness of your soup. Add the Worcestershire sauce, which provides a fantastic umami boost that complements the beef beautifully. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. This slow simmering stage is where the magic truly happens. It allows all the ingredients — the savory beef, the sweet vegetables, and the rich broth — to meld together, deepening and harmonizing their flavors. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This period ensures that the beef becomes tender and the broth absorbs all the wonderful nuances from the aromatics and seasonings. The longer it simmers (within reason), the more developed and delicious your flavorful broth will become, making your Philly Cheesesteak Soup an incredibly satisfying hearty meal. Check out more comforting dishes on Instagram!

Creamy finish for cheesesteak soup.

Stir in cream and provolone.

The ultimate transformation from a savory broth into a truly indulgent Philly Cheesesteak Soup occurs with the addition of cream and cheese. Once your soup has simmered and the flavors have fully developed, remove the pot from the heat. This is a crucial step before adding dairy to prevent curdling. Gently stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to incorporate smoothly into the broth. The cream adds a luxurious richness and velvety texture, making the soup incredibly comforting. Immediately after, begin adding the shredded provolone cheese (or your chosen cheese blend) in batches, stirring constantly until each batch is fully melted and integrated before adding more. This gradual addition ensures a smooth, lump-free, and perfectly cheesy consistency. The provolone melts beautifully, creating those iconic strings of cheese reminiscent of a true cheesesteak, enveloping every element in gooey goodness.

Seasoning for perfect taste.

With the cream and cheese incorporated, your Philly Cheesesteak Soup is almost ready, but a final seasoning check is paramount to achieving perfect taste. Taste a spoonful and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. Remember that cheese can be salty, so start light and add more if necessary. You might also consider a pinch of onion powder or garlic powder for an extra layer of savory depth, or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little kick. Some people also enjoy a touch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning to enhance the overall flavor profile. Stir everything one last time to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed. This final adjustment ensures your soup is perfectly balanced, offering a rich, savory, and cheesy goodness that will leave everyone craving another bowl. This simple recipe truly becomes a family favorite with these finishing touches.

Serving your hot cheesesteak soup.

Enjoy with crusty bread.

Serving your hot Philly Cheesesteak Soup is the culmination of all your efforts, and a few thoughtful additions can elevate the experience even further. Ladle generous portions of the steaming, creamy soup into individual bowls. For an authentic touch, you can top each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley, adding a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note. Some enthusiasts also like to add a few extra shreds of provolone on top, allowing it to melt into a gooey layer as the soup cools slightly. The best accompaniment to this hearty soup is undoubtedly crusty bread. A warm baguette, a robust sourdough, or even garlic bread makes an excellent dipping tool, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich, savory broth. The contrast of the soft, warm soup with the crunchy bread provides a delightful textural experience. This pairing transforms a simple bowl of soup into a satisfying and complete meal, making it a perfect quick dinner on a cool evening. Enjoy this comforting soup as a delightful twist on a classic. You might also enjoy our cheesy garlic chicken wraps for another easy meal.

Total time and servings explained.

Forty-five minutes from start.

One of the most appealing features of this Philly Cheesesteak Soup recipe is its efficiency. From the moment you begin prepping your ingredients to the point where it’s ready to serve, the total time commitment is surprisingly minimal. You can expect to have this delicious, hearty meal on the table in approximately 45 minutes. This includes about 15 minutes for initial preparation, such as slicing and dicing, followed by around 30 minutes of active cooking and simmering. This swift turnaround makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a perfect quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on the savory flavors or cheesy goodness that makes it a true family favorite.

Enough for four people.

This recipe is perfectly portioned to serve four people generously. The ingredients and quantities specified are designed to yield a substantial and filling meal for a small family or a cozy dinner with friends. Each serving is packed with tender beef, a medley of vegetables, and a rich, creamy, cheesy broth, ensuring everyone feels fully satisfied. If you’re cooking for a larger group, simply scale up the ingredients proportionally. Conversely, if you’re cooking for one or two, the leftovers store beautifully in the refrigerator for a few days, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Reheating the soup gently on the stovetop ensures it retains its creamy texture and rich flavor, providing another delicious meal just when you need it. This makes it a versatile comforting soup that adapts to your needs.

Nutrition facts for this soup.

Calories and protein per serving.

When enjoying a rich dish like Philly Cheesesteak Soup, it’s helpful to have an understanding of its nutritional contributions. While exact figures can vary based on specific brands and cuts of meat used, a typical serving of this hearty cheesesteak soup generally provides a substantial amount of calories and protein, making it a truly filling meal. The beef is a significant source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, keeping you feeling full and satisfied. A single serving can often contain between 400-600 calories, depending on the cream and cheese content, making it a calorie-dense option that provides ample energy. This makes it a great choice for a main course, offering a robust nutritional profile.

Fats and carbs information.

In addition to calories and protein, Philly Cheesesteak Soup also contains notable amounts of fats and carbohydrates. The fats primarily come from the beef, heavy cream, and cheese, contributing to the soup’s rich flavor and creamy texture. These healthy fats are important for energy and nutrient absorption. Carbohydrates are present from the vegetables (onions, peppers) and a small amount from the flour used to thicken the broth. While not a low-carb meal, the carbohydrates present are generally from whole food sources. As with any homemade dish, you have control over the ingredients, allowing you to make adjustments to suit dietary preferences, such as using lower-fat dairy or lean cuts of steak to modify the fat content. This robust soup offers a balanced profile for a satisfying, savory meal.

Tips for best cheesesteak soup.

Use leftover steak option.

One fantastic tip for making your Philly Cheesesteak Soup even more convenient and flavorful is to utilize leftover steak. If you have any grilled, roasted, or pan-seared steak from a previous meal, don’t let it go to waste! Simply slice it thinly and incorporate it during the browning stage, or even add it directly to the simmering broth for the last 10 minutes to heat through. This not only saves you time but also infuses the soup with a deeper, more developed beef flavor that comes from already cooked meat. It’s an excellent way to prevent food waste and repurpose ingredients into a brand new, delicious dish, giving you a wonderful hearty meal with minimal effort.

Adjust cheese to your liking.

The beauty of homemade soup lies in its adaptability, and Philly Cheesesteak Soup is no exception, especially when it comes to cheese. While provolone is the classic choice for its mild yet distinctive taste and fantastic melt, feel free to adjust the cheese to your personal liking. For a sharper flavor, try a good quality aged cheddar. If you prefer a milder, creamier result, white American cheese or Monterey Jack are excellent alternatives. A blend of cheeses can also create a more complex flavor profile. Don’t be shy about experimenting with the quantity either; if you love extra cheesy goodness, add a little more! Just remember to add it off the heat and stir until fully melted for a smooth, luscious finish. This customization ensures your comforting soup is perfectly tailored to your palate.