Name: Philly Cheesesteak Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb thinly sliced steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank); 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 1 bell pepper (green or red), thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp butter, divided; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 cups beef broth; 1 cup milk or half-and-half; 1 1/2 cups provolone cheese, shredded or chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Cheez Whiz for topping; Crusty bread or toasted rolls, for serving

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Philly Cheesesteak Soup is a warm, cheesy, and hearty bowl of comfort that brings all the flavors of the iconic sandwich into spoonable form. Loaded with tender beef, caramelized onions, sautéed peppers, and melted cheese, it’s the kind of soup I crave on cold nights when I want something rich and satisfying.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this soup gives me everything I love about a cheesesteak—savory beef, sweet onions, gooey cheese—in one cozy bowl. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for when I want a change from traditional soups. It also makes great leftovers, and I can get creative with toppings or serve it with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Thinly sliced steak (like ribeye or sirloin)
Onion, sliced
Bell peppers, sliced
Garlic, minced
Beef broth
Butter
All-purpose flour
Milk or half-and-half
Provolone cheese, shredded or chopped
Salt and pepper
Optional: shredded mozzarella or Cheez Whiz for topping
Crusty bread or rolls, for serving

Directions

I start by sautéing the onions and peppers in butter until they’re soft and golden.
I add the garlic and cook for a minute more, then remove everything from the pot.
In the same pot, I add more butter and whisk in flour to make a roux.
I slowly pour in the broth and milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.
I stir in the cooked onions and peppers, followed by the thinly sliced steak.
I let it simmer gently until the steak is cooked through and tender.
I add provolone cheese and stir until melted, seasoning the soup to taste.
I serve it hot with extra cheese on top and toasted bread on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 40 minutes from start to finish—15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking.

Variations

I’ve swapped in ground beef or deli roast beef when I need a shortcut.
Mushrooms make a great addition for more umami and texture.
For a spicier twist, I add banana peppers or hot sauce.
I sometimes top the soup with croutons or toasted hoagie roll slices for crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat it slowly on the stovetop, stirring often to keep the cheese from separating. If it thickens too much, I add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. It’s not ideal for freezing due to the dairy base.

FAQs

What kind of steak works best?

I like using thinly sliced ribeye for the most authentic flavor and tenderness. Sirloin or flank steak works too—just slice it very thin.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, but I wait to add the cheese until reheating so it stays creamy and smooth. I also slice the steak thin so it doesn’t get tough when reheated.

Is it okay to use deli beef?

Definitely. I’ve used thin-sliced deli roast beef in a pinch. I just add it at the end so it warms through without overcooking.

What cheese is best for topping?

Provolone gives the classic flavor, but I’ve also used mozzarella, Swiss, or even a little Cheez Whiz to really channel the Philly sandwich vibe.

Can I make it lighter?

I use milk instead of cream and go light on the cheese if I want to make a slightly leaner version. It’s still rich and satisfying without being too heavy.

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Soup takes all the best parts of the classic sandwich and turns them into a warm, comforting bowl I can enjoy with a spoon. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of bold flavor—perfect for chilly days or whenever I want something hearty and nostalgic.