Description
Hearty one-pot philly cheesesteak soup brings classic sandwich flavors into a comforting bowl, blending tender beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon. Cheesy toast crowns this soul-warming dish, promising rich, savory bites that transport palates straight to Philadelphia’s culinary heart.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 g) beef sirloin or steak, thinly sliced or diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Meat and Aromatics:
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheesy Toast Ingredients:
- 4 slices of crusty bread (like baguette or sourdough)
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Crisp the bacon in a spacious pot over medium heat until golden and rendered. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving the rich drippings.
- Sear the beef slices in the remaining bacon fat, developing a deep caramel-brown crust. Remove and reserve alongside the bacon.
- Drizzle additional olive oil if needed, then introduce chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence, approximately 6 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning and allow its pungent notes to bloom.
- Dust flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth, golden roux that will thicken the soup’s foundation.
- Gradually stream beef broth into the pot, whisking consistently to prevent lumps. Introduce Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for layered complexity.
- Allow the soup to gently simmer, developing depth and melding flavors for 12 minutes.
- Swirl heavy cream into the bubbling liquid, then reintroduce the reserved beef and bacon. Simmer an additional 4-5 minutes to marry ingredients.
- Meanwhile, prepare cheesy toast by spreading bread with butter and generously coating with provolone cheese.
- Broil toast until cheese transforms into a molten, golden blanket with crispy edges.
- Ladle soup into warm bowls, garnishing with extra cheese if desired. Serve accompanied by the decadent cheesy toast for dipping.
Notes
- Enhance the beef’s flavor by marinating it briefly in Worcestershire sauce before cooking for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- Swap beef for plant-based alternatives like seitan or mushrooms to create a vegetarian version that maintains the soup’s rich texture.
- Control sodium levels by using low-sodium beef broth and reducing additional salt, making the recipe more heart-friendly.
- Customize cheese toast with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or gruyère for varied flavor dimensions and personalized experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg