Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

This Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup brings together the creamy richness of classic French onion soup and the hearty flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this comforting dish is both satisfying and unique. With caramelized onions, tender beef, and gooey melted cheese, it’s sure to impress anyone at the table. Plus, it’s keto-friendly, low-carb, and gluten-free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavors: The combination of caramelized onions and savory beef creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious soup without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for lunch or dinner, this soup is also great for meal prep—enjoy it throughout the week!
• Cheesy Goodness: Topped with melted provolone and Gruyere cheeses, every bite is a cheesy delight.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this soup is as nutritious as it is delicious.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious soup, having the right tools on hand will make your cooking process smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot
• Large skillet
• Rubber spatula
• Oven-safe ramekins

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot: Ideal for sautéing onions and simmering your soup evenly.
• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking your beef and vegetables together quickly.
• Rubber spatula: Great for deglazing the pan and scraping up those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

Ingredients

This Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup combines two of my favorite things — the rich cheesiness of a classic French onion soup and a hearty Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Caramelized onions, thinly sliced ribeye, tender bell peppers, aromatic garlic, simmered in a rich broth, topped with melty gruyere and provolone cheeses. It is even keto, low carb and gluten free.

For the Soup Base

• 4 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 3 large yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup cooking apple juice
• 4 cups beef stock

For Toppings

• 1 Keto Everything Bun
• 1/2 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 small yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 10 ounces ribeye steak (or substitute: chicken breast), thinly sliced
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 1 1/4 cups shredded Gruyere cheese

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions to the pan and sauté until soft, about 12 minutes.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Add the butter and continue cooking the onions until they start to brown, about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Flavor Base Addition

Add the Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos), garlic, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Deglaze the pan with the cooking apple juice. Use a rubber spatula to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Simmer Together

Add the beef stock to the pan. Bring it to a boil then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 25 minutes.

Step 6: Cook Peppers & Beef

While simmering, heat remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add peppers; sprinkle with salt and pepper; sauté for 5 minutes. Add your chosen steak (or chicken) into the pan with peppers; cook until desired doneness. Add cooked mixture into your soup pot. Taste; adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7: Prepare Ramekins

Discard bay leaves. Divide soup evenly between four large oven-proof ramekins. Top each with two pieces of toasted bun and a slice of provolone cheese. Evenly distribute Gruyere cheese among ramekins.

Step 8: Broil Until Bubbly

Preheat your oven’s broiler settings. Place ramekins under broiler until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 9: Garnish & Serve

Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and an extra sprinkle of black pepper before serving hot!

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

Serving Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup is a delightful experience that combines flavors and textures in a comforting bowl. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious dish.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Toasted Baguette Slices: Serve with slices of toasted baguette for dipping. The crunch adds a lovely contrast to the soup’s creamy texture.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread complements the rich flavors of the soup and makes for a satisfying meal.

Garnish for Extra Flavor

• Fresh Thyme: Sprinkle fresh thyme on top just before serving to enhance the aroma and add a pop of color.
• Black Pepper: A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can give an extra kick to your soup.

Accompanying Salad

• Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette can lighten up the meal, balancing the richness of the soup.
• Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad adds a crunchy texture, making it a classic pairing that many love.

How to Perfect Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

Perfecting your Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup involves attention to detail and some careful preparation. Here are some helpful tips.

• Bold Flavors: Use high-quality beef stock for deeper flavor; homemade stock is ideal if you have the time.
• Caramelize Onions Slowly: Take your time with caramelizing onions; it enhances their sweetness and overall flavor profile.
• Bread Choice Matters: Choose a hearty bread that can hold up to the soup without falling apart. A good sourdough or Italian loaf works well.
• Cheese Selection: Use both Gruyere and provolone for a perfect melty topping. Ensure they are shredded evenly for consistent melting.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings throughout cooking. Taste frequently to get the balance just right, especially salt and pepper.
• Broil Until Golden Brown: Keep an eye on the broiler to avoid burning; you want golden-brown cheese, not charred.

Best Side Dishes for Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

Complementing your Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup with side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside the rich soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition, balancing out the meal beautifully.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the soup.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Flavorful stuffed mushrooms make for a delightful finger food that pairs well with the soup’s flavor.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries bring sweetness and texture, creating an enjoyable contrast.
6. Caprese Salad Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil skewers add freshness and are easy to prepare.

Enjoy your meal!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks make errors that can affect the flavor and texture of their Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong onions – Yellow onions are the best choice for this soup because they caramelize beautifully. Avoid using sweet or red onions, as they may alter the soup’s flavor.
• Not caramelizing the onions enough – Properly caramelized onions add rich depth to the soup. Be patient and cook them until they achieve a deep golden color.
• Skipping the deglazing step – This step is crucial for incorporating all those flavorful bits stuck to the pot. Always deglaze with apple juice or broth to enhance your soup’s richness.
• Overcooking the beef – Thinly sliced meat should be cooked quickly to keep it tender. Monitor closely to avoid toughening it up.
• Not seasoning correctly – Taste your soup before serving; sometimes, more salt or pepper is necessary to bring out all the flavors.
• Ignoring cheese choices – The type of cheese you use can dramatically change the flavor. Provolone and Gruyere work together perfectly, so don’t skip either.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup?

Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup is a delicious fusion dish that combines classic French onion soup with elements of a Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich, featuring savory broth, caramelized onions, and tender beef topped with melted cheese.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free buns and ensure that your beef stock and Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos are gluten-free.

How can I customize this recipe?

You can customize this recipe by adding different types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar, or by using various vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely! This Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup is keto-friendly due to its low-carb ingredients and high-fat content from cheese and oil.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Swap out ribeye steak for thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh if you prefer a lighter protein option.

Conclusion

This Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup beautifully marries two beloved comfort foods into one hearty dish. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s versatile enough to allow for personal twists with different proteins or toppings. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe; your taste buds will thank you!

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