Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Onion Soup

This hearty Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup brings together the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with the savory goodness of a cheesesteak. It’s perfect for colder nights when you want something comforting yet a bit special. With tender ribeye, sweet bell peppers, and a cheesy topping that melts just right, this soup hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal. Plus, it is keto-friendly, low carb, and gluten-free, making it a great option for many dietary preferences.

I first made this recipe on a blustery evening when I wanted something filling but quick. It quickly became a hit with everyone around the table and now it’s a go-to for comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

• Avocado oil or olive oil for sautéing: choose cold-pressed for better flavor and health benefits
• Yellow onions: the backbone of the soup for that rich caramelized sweetness
• Butter: to enrich the onions and build depth
• Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos: adds umami and complexity, Worcestershire gives classic tang
• Sea salt and black pepper: to season perfectly
• Garlic and thyme: for aromatic layers
• Bay leaves: to infuse subtle herbal notes
• Cooking apple juice: to deglaze and balance savory with a touch of sweetness
• Beef stock: for a robust, meaty base, homemade or high-quality store-bought works best
• Keto Everything Bun for topping: opt for a fresh, sturdy bun that toasts well
• Red, green, and yellow bell peppers: for color, crunch, and sweetness
• Ribeye steak, thinly sliced: tender, marbled beef that cooks quickly
• Provolone cheese slices: mild and melty top layer
• Gruyere cheese shredded: adds nuttiness and beautiful browning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Onions:

Cook the sliced yellow onions gently in avocado or olive oil over medium heat for about 12 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Add butter and continue cooking until the onions turn a lovely golden brown over approximately 10 more minutes. This slow caramelization builds the signature depth of flavor.

Add Seasonings and Aromatics:

Stir in Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos, minced garlic, fresh or dried thyme, bay leaves, sea salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes so the aromatics can release their full fragrance.

Deglaze the Pan:

Pour cooking apple juice into the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step brings a subtle sweetness and layers of flavor to the soup base.

Simmer the Soup:

Add the beef stock and bring everything to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook gently for 25 minutes. The flavors will concentrate and meld beautifully during this stage.

Cook the Peppers and Beef:

In a separate skillet, heat some oil and sauté the thinly sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers for about 5 minutes until tender but still vibrant. Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak and cook to your preferred doneness—just a couple of minutes keeps it tender.

Combine and Season:

Add the cooked peppers and beef into the soup mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Assemble and Broil:

Divide the soup into oven-safe ramekins. Top each with pieces of toasted Keto Everything Bun and cover generously with provolone slices and shredded Gruyere. Place under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve:

Finish with fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant, fresh touch, and serve piping hot.

Save

The ribeye steak adds such a tender, juicy contrast to the sweet onions and melty cheese. Sharing this soup at family dinners always sparks compliments and warm conversations, making it as heartwarming as it is delicious.

Storage Tips

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or microwave and add a splash of beef stock or water if it feels too thick. For the best melt and texture, add fresh cheese toppings before broiling again.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ribeye with sirloin or flank steak for a leaner option. Chicken stock can work in place of beef stock if needed, but the soup will be less rich. For non-keto eaters, replace the Keto Everything Bun with a classic French baguette slice or crusty bread. If you don’t have apple juice, white grape juice or a splash of white wine can substitute to deglaze.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. A glass of dry red wine pairs beautifully with the hearty beef and cheese flavors. Leftover soup also makes a fantastic filling for a crostini topping or an indulgent dip for veggies.

Cultural Context

French onion soup is a beloved classic dating back to 18th-century France, traditionally made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with toasted bread and melted cheese. The Philly cheesesteak originated in Philadelphia during the 1930s and is known for its thin sliced steak, sautéed peppers, and melted cheese on a hoagie roll. This recipe marries these two iconic American and French flavors into a unique comfort dish reflecting cross-cultural culinary creativity.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Thinly sliced ribeye is ideal for tender, flavorful bites that cook quickly and blend well with the soup.

→ How do I achieve perfect caramelized onions?

Slowly sauté onions in oil and butter over medium heat for about 20 minutes until golden and sweet for a deep, rich flavor.

→ Can the cheese toppings be substituted?

Yes, provolone and Gruyere provide melty, nutty notes but you may use other melting cheeses like mozzarella or fontina.

→ What is the purpose of broiling the soup?

Broiling melts and browns the cheese topping, adding a satisfying golden crust that contrasts the savory broth beneath.

→ How should the peppers be prepared?

Sauté thin slices shortly to retain some crunch and vibrant color, complementing tender beef and rich broth.

→ Is this suitable for special diets?

This dish is naturally low-carb and gluten-free, fitting well into ketogenic or restrictive eating plans.