If you love the rich, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but want something warm and cozy to curl up with, you are going to be obsessed with Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. This soup takes all the best parts of the iconic sandwich—tender sirloin steak, sweet bell peppers, melted provolone, and mozzarella—and transforms them into a creamy, hearty bowl of pure comfort. Perfect for chilly nights or anytime you need a little taste of indulgence, this soup is bursting with flavor, texture, and a big dose of nostalgia.

Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully to create that signature cheesesteak flavor in every spoonful. From fresh vegetables to rich cheeses, each component plays an essential role in making this soup irresistibly delicious.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness.

Onion: Adds depth and a touch of sweetness when caramelized.
Green and red bell peppers: Offer vibrant color and a mild, fresh crunch.

Sirloin steak: Thinly sliced for tender bites packed with meaty goodness.
Beef broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together.

Diced tomatoes: Bring a subtle acidity and richness to the soup.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity.
Dried thyme: Infuses earthy, aromatic notes.

Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat in their comfort food.
Butter: The starting point for the creamy cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour: Used to create a roux for thickening the soup.

Milk: Provides the creamy base for the cheese sauce.
Cream cheese: Adds rich, velvety texture and tang.
Shredded provolone cheese: Classic cheesesteak flavor in melty form.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings that stringy, gooey cheese factor everyone loves.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Enhance the savory profile of the soup.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything into perfect balance.

Crusty rolls: Ideal for dunking and soaking up every last bit of deliciousness.
Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal finish and a pop of color.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion along with the green and red bell peppers. Cooking these until they soften and caramelize brings out their natural sweetness and forms the flavorful foundation for this soup. This step is crucial because it layers your soup with that classic cheesesteak vegetable taste.

Step 2: Brown the Sirloin Steak

Add your thinly sliced sirloin steak to the pot and crank the heat to medium-high. Stir frequently so each piece browns nicely instead of steaming. If your pot feels overcrowded, cook the steak in batches to ensure that beautiful caramelized crust develops on the meat, which guarantees maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the beef broth along with the diced tomatoes, including their juices. Stir carefully, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom—they are flavor gold. This broth is where all those mouthwatering steak and vegetable flavors will mingle and intensify.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Now it’s time for Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover and let it cook low and slow for 30 minutes to an hour. This simmer allows the flavors to meld perfectly, developing rich depth that makes this Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe come alive.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

While your soup base simmers, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for a couple of minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until your sauce is luxuriously thick and smooth. This creamy cheese sauce will turn your soup into something truly indulgent.

Step 6: Add the Cream Cheese and Melty Cheeses

Lower the heat and stir in softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Then add shredded provolone and mozzarella in small batches, stirring to fully melt each addition. Don’t forget to sprinkle in your garlic powder, onion powder, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as you go. This mixture is the heart of the cheesy goodness in the soup.

Step 7: Combine and Finish Cooking

Slowly pour the creamy cheese sauce into your soup pot with the simmered meat and vegetables, stirring constantly. Heat through gently without boiling to keep the cheese smooth and luscious. Adjust thickness by adding broth if it feels too thick or simmer uncovered to thicken if it’s too watery. This careful balance results in that perfect comforting bowl you crave.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle your beautiful Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe into bowls. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese and fresh parsley on top, then serve with crusty rolls for dunking. Every spoonful offers a warm explosion of cheesy, savory, and satisfying flavors that feel like a big comfy hug from your favorite sandwich.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your bowl, add a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for brightness and a pop of color. A little extra shredded provolone or mozzarella on top melts beautifully and adds layers of cheesy goodness. You can also offer crushed red pepper flakes for anyone who loves a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but crusty rolls or garlic breadsticks are perfect for sopping up the creamy broth. For a lighter contrast, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonderfully. Roasted vegetables or a simple coleslaw also complement this rich soup elegantly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in rustic bread bowls for an eye-catching meal that’s as fun as it is comforting. You can also layer it in clear mugs or jars for a casual gathering or party. For a family-style dinner, serve the soup hot from the pot with a cheese board and vegetable platter for guests to customize their bowls with extra toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Philly Cheesesteak Soup will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after sitting, just be sure to stir it well when reheating as some cheese may settle at the bottom.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! Cool it completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. You can add a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen the texture if it thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the cheese sauce smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can easily adapt this recipe by substituting the sirloin steak with hearty mushrooms or a plant-based steak alternative and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The cheese sauce still delivers plenty of rich flavor to keep it satisfying.

What type of cheese works best for Philly Cheesesteak Soup?

Provolone and mozzarella are key for that classic cheesesteak melt and stretch. Cream cheese adds creaminess and tang. Together, they create the perfect cheesy harmony. Avoid very sharp or crumbly cheeses as they won’t melt as smoothly.

Can I use leftover steak for this soup?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked steak can be thinly sliced and added during the simmering step. Just reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking the meat, so it stays tender and juicy.

How spicy is this soup?

The red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your heat preference. Without them, the soup is mild and perfect for kids or anyone sensitive to spice. Adding more flakes will give it a subtle, pleasant kick.

Is it okay to use store-bought pre-shredded cheese?

Pre-shredded cheese works fine, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and usually has a creamier texture. The anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can sometimes cause a slight graininess in sauces.

Final Thoughts

This Philly Cheesesteak Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe is truly a bowl of happiness that combines all the best parts of a beloved sandwich with the coziness of a warm soup. If you want to impress your family, indulge your comfort food cravings, or simply enjoy a fantastic meal filled with bold flavors and creamy texture, give this recipe a try. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!