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I've turned the classic sandwich into a bowl of pure comfort with this Philly Cheesesteak Soup. You'll love how each bite brings together juicy steak, sautéed green peppers, and a rich, cheesy broth that'll make your taste buds dance. Add some crunchy homemade croutons on top and you've got your fave sandwich reimagined as a hearty soup.
Heartwarming Comfort Food
What makes this soup so great is how it packs all those cheesesteak flavors we can't get enough of. You can whip it up on busy weeknights but it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. When those tender beef chunks mix with gooey cheese and savory broth, something magical happens.
What You'll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking everything, but vegetable oil works too.
- 1 green bell pepper: Cut into thin strips for that real cheesesteak feel.
- 1 pound beef: Go with thinly cut top round or sirloin strips.
- 2 cups mixed vegetables: Use equal amounts of chopped onion, carrot, and celery.
- 2 cloves garlic: Chop it fresh for the strongest flavor kick.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Regular all purpose gives the soup its perfect thickness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire: This secret ingredient adds amazing richness.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Skip it if you want, or add it for a nice warm kick.
- 4 cups beef broth: Pick low sodium so you can adjust the salt yourself.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This makes everything luxuriously smooth.
- 2 cups cheese: Blend provolone with white cheddar for the best flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkle on top before serving.
- 1/2 baguette: This becomes your amazing homemade croutons.
How To Make It
- Preheat Your Oven
- Get your oven hot at 400°F for the croutons. Put parchment on a baking sheet to make cleanup super easy.
- Brown The Meat
- Pour olive oil in a big pot over medium-high heat. Cook peppers about 2 minutes then toss in beef and cook another 3 minutes until it browns. Take it out and set aside.
- Create The Foundation
- In that same pot add more oil and cook your onions, carrots, and celery for 3-5 minutes till they soften up. Throw in garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.
- Build Your Soup
- Dust the veggies with flour, stir well, add Worcestershire, hot sauce and seasonings. Pour broth in, let it come to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
- Prepare The Croutons
- Mix bread cubes with some oil and seasonings, spread them out on your pan. Bake for 7-10 minutes until they turn golden and crunchy.
- Smooth It Out
- Blend the soup till it's smooth, then mix in cream and cheese. Let it simmer about 5 minutes until all the cheese melts in.
- Dish It Up
- Pour soup into bowls and top with your beef, peppers, crunchy croutons and some fresh parsley.
Keeping It Fresh
You can store any soup you don't finish in the fridge for up to 5 days if it's covered well. It also freezes great for up to 3 months. Just warm it slowly on the stove or in your microwave when you want some more. If it's frozen, let it thaw overnight for the best texture.
Customization Ideas
Want it gluten-free? Just swap in GF flour and bread. Don't feel like beef? Try it with chicken, pork or even sausage for a twist. Always brown your meat really well and taste before you add final seasoning so it won't get too salty. Throw in some mushrooms for extra flavor or play around with different cheese combos to make it totally yours.
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Common Questions
- → Why make veggies smooth?
Blending gives the soup a rich texture while preserving taste. The creamy base pairs beautifully with the meat chunks and peppers.
- → Why cook steak on its own?
Searing meat separately locks in flavor and prevents overcooking later. Adding it to the soup after keeps it juicy and tender.
- → Why combine two cheeses?
Sharp cheddar boosts the taste, while provolone gives smooth texture and classic cheesesteak vibes when melted.
- → Why season soup last?
The flavors intensify during cooking as the liquid reduces. Adding salt last avoids over-seasoning and balances tastes perfectly.
- → Can I store leftovers for later?
Absolutely! Freeze up to 90 days. When reheating, go slow to maintain smoothness, and bake fresh croutons to top it off.
Final Thoughts
This comforting soup reinvents the classic Philly cheesesteak as a creamy dish full of flavor. Packed with tender beef, seared peppers, gooey provolone, sharp cheddar, and crunchy croutons—it’s ready to wow in under an hour.