Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup

A delicious bowl of Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup is all you need to embrace comfort food at its finest. This soup combines tender steak, vibrant green peppers, and gooey melted cheese in a creamy broth, making it perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends. Its unique combination of flavors and textures will remind you of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich but in a warm, inviting soup form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty Flavor: The rich blend of beef, cheese, and spices creates an irresistible taste that warms your soul.
• Quick Preparation: With just 60 minutes from start to finish, this soup is quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish or paired with crusty bread, this soup suits any occasion.
• Comforting Texture: The creamy consistency and tender ingredients make every spoonful delightful.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level according to your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make this creamy soup effortlessly, gather the right tools. Each tool has its purpose in ensuring your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Immersion blender
• Baking sheet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without sticking or scorching.
• Immersion blender: Makes blending the soup simple and mess-free; no need to transfer hot liquid to a blender.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for toasting croutons to achieve that ideal crunch.

Ingredients

A creamy soup featuring tender steak, green peppers, and melted cheese, topped with homemade croutons for the perfect sandwich-inspired comfort food.

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 pound beef steak or top round, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cube beef bouillon (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces provolone cheese, shredded

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

For Croutons

• ½ baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Beef

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté the bell pepper for about 2 minutes until softened. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook until browned (about 3 minutes). Once done, remove the mixture from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Cook Aromatics

In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery for 3-5 minutes until the onion turns translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour then pour Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce; season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the beef broth along with the optional beef bouillon cube. Bring it to a boil before reducing heat to let it simmer for about 15 minutes until vegetables are tender. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in heavy cream along with both shredded cheeses. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. Mix in half of the reserved beef mixture from earlier before removing from heat.

Step 5: Prepare Croutons

Toss bread cubes with olive oil along with salt and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 7-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Serve Your Soup

Ladle the creamy soup into bowls. Top each serving with remaining beef mixture and freshly baked croutons before sprinkling with parsley for garnish. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup!

How to Serve Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup

Serving Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup is all about enhancing the comforting flavors while making it a delightful meal. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious soup.

With Homemade Croutons

• Adding croutons not only provides a crunchy texture but also enhances the cheesesteak experience.

Garnished with Fresh Parsley

• A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a touch of color and freshness, brightening up the rich flavors of the soup.

With Extra Cheese

• For cheese lovers, topping each bowl with additional shredded provolone or cheddar can elevate the creaminess.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• A light side salad can balance out the richness of the soup and add some freshness to your meal.

Served with Bread Rolls

• Pairing this soup with warm, crusty bread rolls makes for a hearty and satisfying dining experience.

In Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This adds an edible container that soaks up delicious flavors!

How to Perfect Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Meat: Using high-quality beef steak will ensure tender bites that enhance your soup’s overall taste.
• Don’t Rush the Sautéing: Allowing vegetables to sauté until they are fully softened will bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Blend Smoothly: Blending the soup until smooth creates a creamy consistency that mimics traditional cheesesteak sauce.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and hot sauce according to your preference for spice and flavor balance.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also gives a beautiful presentation when garnished on top.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try mixing different types of cheeses to find your favorite combination for that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup

Pairing side dishes with Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup can transform your meal into an unforgettable feast. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread

2. This classic side is perfect for dipping into the rich soup, adding an extra layer of flavor.

3. Caesar Salad

4. A crisp Caesar salad complements the creamy soup nicely while adding freshness and crunch.

5. Stuffed Peppers

6. These flavorful peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa provide additional heartiness alongside your soup.

7. Potato Chips

8. Crunchy potato chips offer a salty contrast that pairs well with the creamy texture of the soup.

9. Macaroni and Cheese

10. Rich macaroni brings comfort food vibes together, making it an indulgent pairing with your cheesesteak soup.

11. Roasted Vegetables

12. Seasonal roasted vegetables add nutrition and balance out the meal without overpowering its flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup can be a joy, but there are pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the Sauté Step: Failing to sauté the vegetables and meat can lead to a lack of flavor in your soup. Always take the time to sauté for the best results.

• Using Low-Quality Cheese: Not all cheeses melt well. Using high-quality white cheddar and provolone will ensure a creamy texture. Opt for freshly shredded cheese when possible.

• Ignoring Seasoning: Neglecting to season your soup can dull the flavors. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and hot sauce as needed for a balanced flavor.

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender yet firm veggies that maintain some bite in your soup.

• Not Blending Enough: If you don’t blend the soup well, it may have an inconsistent texture. Use an immersion blender until smooth for a creamy consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; however, note that cream may separate upon thawing.

Reheating Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls at 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.

• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup different from regular cheesesteak?

Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup combines all the classic flavors of a cheesesteak into a rich and comforting soup format, making it perfect for colder weather.

Can I customize my Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like mushrooms or swap out cheeses based on your taste preferences.

How do I make my Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup thicker?

To thicken your soup, you can add more flour during cooking or let it simmer longer without the lid to reduce liquid.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup is excellent for meal prep as it stores well in both the refrigerator and freezer, making it easy to enjoy later.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or sides. Give this comforting recipe a try today!