Philly Cheesesteak Soup
Philly Cheesesteak Soup offers a mouthwatering experience that combines all the savory flavors of a classic cheesesteak in comforting soup form. Imagine rich, tender beef swimming in a creamy broth, with vibrant peppers and onions adding a splash of color and flavor. This delightful dish evokes the warm familiarity of a beloved meal while providing all the coziness of your favorite soup. It’s a must-try for anyone craving the essence of Philadelphia’s iconic culinary creation, especially on a chilly day. In this recipe, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to create this masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Philly Cheesesteak Soup stands out as an easy-to-prepare dish that’s family-friendly. Whether you’re a busy parent or a novice cook, the recipe requires minimal ingredients and a straightforward method that ensures success. With the comforting flavors of beef broth, cheesy goodness, and a medley of colorful peppers, it’s perfect for a jubilant family dinner or a cozy night in.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it also comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for weeknight meals. You can enjoy a hearty soup that gives everyone something to smile about while keeping dinner preparations hassle-free!
Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Soup
- 2 cups cooked, shredded beef – tender and flavorful
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced – adds sweetness and crunch
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced – adds brightness and color
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced – provides a fresh note
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced – brings depth and sweetness
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – enhances the aroma and flavor
- 3 cups beef broth – the flavorful foundation of the soup
- 1 cup heavy cream – for a rich, velvety texture
- 4 oz cream cheese – adds creaminess and tang
- 1 cup provolone or mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced – gooey cheese goodness
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) – enhances all flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – a touch of spice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – introduces a hint of smokiness
Step-by-Step Directions for Philly Cheesesteak Soup
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Prepare the Meat: If you’re using raw beef, season it generously with salt and pepper. Sear it in a hot skillet until browned on all sides. Cook it in a slow cooker or pressure cooker until tender, about 6-8 hours on low or 1 to 1.5 hours under pressure. Once cooked, shred the beef and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and golden, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Colorful Peppers and Garlic: Incorporate the sliced bell peppers and minced garlic into the pot. Cook these until they meld together, releasing delicious fragrances, about 5 minutes.
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Simmer the Broth: Pour in the beef broth, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the shredded beef back into the pot. Let everything simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
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Add Creaminess: Reduce the heat to low and incorporate heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
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Cheesy Finish: Add the shredded or sliced provolone cheese, mixing until it melts completely and becomes a luxurious part of the soup.
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Season to Perfection: Finally, season the soup with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes to combine all flavors beautifully.
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Serve Hot: Serve the soup hot, and feel free to top with extra cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor and visual appeal!
Tips & Tricks
For chefs looking to elevate their Philadelphia Cheesesteak Soup, consider adding sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth of flavor, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an added umami kick. If you want heat, sprinkle in some crushed red chili flakes for a spicy twist. You can also substitute cook-in-progress sauces, like low-sodium options, for a healthier twist.
Another cooking hack is to use leftover beef from previous meals; it will save time and reduce waste while maintaining the dish’s flavorful profile.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Soup is delightful on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or homemade garlic bread for dipping. Side salads, such as a classic Caesar or an arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette, complement its richness.
For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches; the crunchy edges mixed with gooey, melted cheese will be a hit with both adults and kids alike!
Nutritional Information
This Philly Cheesesteak Soup is indulgent but fairly balanced. On average, one serving contains about 550 calories, composed primarily of protein from beef and cheese, fats from cream and cheese, and essential nutrients from peppers and onions. While it’s a rich option, consider pairing it with a fresh salad to balance out your meal.
Storing Tips & Variations for Philly Cheesesteak Soup
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or cream if needed to maintain the consistency you love.
If you want to freeze this soup, ensure it cools completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, storing it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
For variations, consider experimenting with different cheese types, or add in other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for an extra nutritional boost. You can even change up the base by using chicken or vegetable broth!
Conclusion for Philly Cheesesteak Soup
With its perfect blend of flavors and textures, Philly Cheesesteak Soup is a dish worth making tonight. It’s a timeless recipe that provides comfort on those chilly evenings and will surely become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to try it right away for a satisfying, hearty meal!
FAQs
What can I serve with Philly Cheesesteak Soup?
Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese for a comforting meal.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Use plant-based meat or mushrooms along with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
How can I make the soup spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try cheddar or a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute it with a full-fat Greek yogurt or omit it altogether for a lighter soup.
Philly Cheesesteak Soup
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting soup that combines the savory flavors of a classic cheesesteak with tender beef, vibrant peppers, and a creamy broth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded beef
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup provolone or mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- If using raw beef, season it with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot skillet until browned. Cook in a slow cooker or pressure cooker until tender (6-8 hours on low or 1 to 1.5 hours under pressure). Shred and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and golden.
- Add sliced bell peppers and minced garlic to the pot, cooking for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer, then add the shredded beef. Simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add provolone or mozzarella cheese, mixing until completely melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Simmer for another 5 minutes to combine all flavors.
- Serve hot, topped with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, consider sautéed mushrooms or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Leftover beef can save time and reduce waste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
