Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. This hearty soup combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy provolone cheese for a rich and satisfying experience. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and will impress your family and friends with its delicious taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and provolone cheese creates a savory depth that is hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with crusty bread, over rice, or simply on its own for a filling meal.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal tools needed, you’ll spend less time cleaning up after cooking.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline the cooking process and enhance your experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook all the ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
- Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for slicing vegetables and meat quickly and safely.
- Cutting board: A good cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: This tool helps prevent scratches on your pot while stirring ingredients smoothly.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef
- 1 medium onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 4 cups beef broth
For Creaminess
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Beef
Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the beef and cook until browned.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream and Seasonings
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Melt in Cheese
Add the shredded provolone cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup!
How to Serve Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup
Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. This adds a satisfying crunch and helps soak up the creamy broth.
Topped with Crispy Onions
- Add crispy fried onions on top of the soup for an extra layer of flavor and texture. They provide a delightful crunch that complements the creamy elements.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives over your soup before serving. This not only adds color but also enhances the freshness of the dish.
Alongside a Simple Salad
- Serve your soup with a light salad. A mix of greens with a vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup.
In a Bread Bowl
- For an impressive presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for a fun and interactive dining experience.
How to Perfect Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup
To ensure your Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup is perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality beef will enhance the flavors significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Control Heat: Keep an eye on the heat to prevent the cream from curdling; low heat is best after adding cream.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While provolone is classic, try adding mozzarella or cheddar for different flavors.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a little while after cooking can help meld the flavors together.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup
Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup pairs well with several side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread adds buttery goodness that goes perfectly with the soup.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and croutons make this salad a refreshing companion.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, or quinoa, providing a hearty side that matches well.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients while contrasting nicely with the creamy soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs create a delightful texture alongside your soup.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad offers a pleasant contrast in temperature and texture, making it an ideal pairing.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Soft, cheesy biscuits are perfect for sopping up any leftover soup while adding more flavor to your meal.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing finish to this savory dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the Sautéing Step: Sautéing the onion and bell pepper enhances the flavors. Don’t rush this step; it’s key to a rich taste.
- Overcooking the Beef: Cooking the beef too long can make it tough. Brown it just until it’s cooked through for a tender bite.
- Not Adjusting Seasonings: Every broth varies in saltiness. Taste your soup and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper as needed to achieve perfect balance.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese: Quality cheese melts smoothly and adds creaminess. Opt for fresh provolone or a similar cheese for best results.
- Neglecting Garnish: Fresh parsley adds not just color but also a fresh flavor contrast. Don’t skip this simple yet effective finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to let the soup cool before sealing.
Freezing Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Leave space in containers for expansion when freezing.
Reheating Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals, stirring between each.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup:
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute thinly sliced chicken for beef if you prefer. Adjust cooking times as necessary.
What can I use instead of provolone cheese?
You can try mozzarella or gouda as alternatives, keeping in mind that flavor and melting characteristics may vary.
How do I thicken the soup further?
To thicken your soup, add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) or use more heavy cream for extra richness.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Certainly! Swap out the beef for mushrooms or plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, ensuring everyone will enjoy its rich flavors. Give it a try!
Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup
Creamy Philly Cheese Steak Soup is a comforting dish that brings a delightful blend of flavors to your table. This rich and hearty soup features tender beef, fresh vegetables, and melted provolone cheese, making it perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. With its quick preparation time of just 40 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that will impress family and friends alike. The savory broth, enhanced with creamy goodness, creates a deliciously filling experience ideal for any occasion.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef
- 1 medium onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add beef and cook until browned.
- Pour in beef broth; bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat and mix in heavy cream; season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in shredded provolone cheese until melted and smooth.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg