Cheesy Beef and Vegetable Soup: A Comforting Twist on Cheesesteak
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a steaming bowl of hearty soup. But what if you could take the beloved flavors of a cheesesteak and transform them into a comforting, creamy soup? Enter the cheesy beef and vegetable soup – a dish that combines the best of both worlds and delivers a cozy, flavor-packed meal.
This recipe takes the classic elements of a cheesesteak – tender beef, melted cheese, and sautéed veggies – and simmers them together in a rich, velvety broth. The result is a soup that’s equally indulgent and nutritious, perfect for warming you up on a cold day. Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner or want to impress your guests, this cheesy beef and vegetable soup is sure to become a new family favorite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this cheesy beef and vegetable soup apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender chunks of beef, the gooey melted cheese, and the array of sautéed vegetables create a harmonious and satisfying dish. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It can be tailored to suit various dietary needs and preferences – from low-carb to dairy-free – without sacrificing the signature cheesesteak-inspired taste. And the make-ahead possibilities make it a great option for meal prepping or hosting a crowd.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Cheesy Beef and Vegetable Soup ❓
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 8 oz. cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk or unsweetened almond milk
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or provolone cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
The beauty of this cheesy beef and vegetable soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and sautéed veggies creates the comforting, Philly-inspired flavor profile that has made cheesesteak-inspired recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Cheesy Beef and Vegetable Soup Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Sauté the vegetables until they’re tender and the onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
• Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and milk (or almond milk) and stir to combine. Add the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar or provolone cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
• Step 4: Stir in the dried oregano and thyme, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
• Total time: 45-50 minutes
Compared to traditional cheesesteak recipes, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this cheesy beef and vegetable soup saves you over 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 810mg
These cheesy beef and vegetable soup provide approximately 40% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the milk and use a higher ratio of beef broth. You can also serve the soup over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the cream cheese and shredded cheese with dairy-free alternatives, such as cashew-based cream cheese and shredded dairy-free cheddar.
• Added protein: Stir in an extra 1/2 lb. of ground beef or chopped chicken for a more protein-packed meal.
• Boost vegetables: Add more diced vegetables, such as celery, carrots, or spinach, to increase the nutrient content.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 25% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the cheesy beef and vegetable soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal
• Complement the soup with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed kale
• For a hearty lunch, serve the soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich
• Create a cheesesteak-inspired platter with the soup, sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and shredded cheese
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not sautéing the vegetables enough: Make sure to sauté the onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms until they’re tender and the onions are translucent. This helps develop the flavors.
• Adding the cheese too quickly: Temper the cream cheese and shredded cheese by adding them slowly and stirring constantly to prevent them from seizing up or curdling.
• Letting the soup boil: Once the cheese has been added, keep the soup at a gentle simmer to prevent the dairy from separating or curdling.
• Skipping the seasoning: Be sure to season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. The right seasoning is crucial for bringing out the full flavor.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These cheesy beef and vegetable soups retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup gently over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it’s heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, stopping to stir every 30 seconds until hot.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesy beef and vegetable soup is an excellent make-ahead option. You can prepare the entire soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I substitute the ground beef with a different protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for other proteins, such as ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly, and you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this cheesy beef and vegetable soup. Replace the cream cheese and shredded cheddar or provolone with dairy-free alternatives, such as cashew-based cream cheese and shredded vegan cheddar. You can also use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in place of regular dairy milk.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your cheesy beef and vegetable soup ends up being too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more beef broth or milk (or non-dairy milk) and stirring until you reach the desired consistency. Avoid letting the soup boil, as that can cause the dairy to curdle.
Can I add any extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This soup is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it by adding more vegetables. Some great options include diced celery, shredded carrots, spinach, or kale. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These cheesy beef and vegetable soups represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and comfort. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying starter for a casual gathering, they’re sure to impress with their rich, creamy texture and mouthwatering cheesesteak-inspired taste. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this cheesy beef and vegetable soup demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the kitchen. So, grab a spoon and get ready to indulge in a bowl of this comforting, cheesy goodness.
