As I stood by the stove, the rich aroma of sizzling bacon filled the kitchen, instantly transporting me to a bustling Philly corner deli. This One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast captures that classic comfort of a cheesesteak in a cozy, spoonable form. It’s a dish that not only warms you from the inside out but also makes weeknight dinners feel special with minimal fuss and cleanup. Packed with tender beef, smoky bacon, and creamy provolone, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Plus, the customizable nature allows you to get creative with ingredients based on what you have on hand. Are you ready to dive into this deliciously comforting bowl?

Why is this soup a game-changer?

Comforting and filling, this One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup brings together the essence of a classic cheesesteak, all in a creamy, warm bowl. Easy to customize, switch up the ingredients based on your pantry—think mushrooms or different cheeses. Minimal cleanup means you can enjoy more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. And with the crispy bacon finishing off each serving, it’s bound to be a hit! Pair it with a refreshing side salad or some roasted veggies, and you’ve got a delightful meal that satisfies. For more cozy recipes like this, check out my Cheesy Mashed Potato or savory Ground Chicken Skillet.

Philly Cheesesteak Soup Ingredients

• Dive into this cozy comfort food!

For the Soup

Thinly Sliced Beef Steak – Adds necessary protein and can be substituted with sirloin or ribeye for added tenderness.
Onion (Diced) – Brings natural sweetness; white or yellow onions work beautifully.
Green Bell Pepper – Gives crunch and embodies the classic cheesesteak experience; red or yellow peppers lend a sweeter flavor.
Garlic (Minced) – Enhances flavor and aroma wonderfully; fresh cloves are preferred, but powdered garlic can suffice.
Beef Broth – Forms the delicious soup base; opt for a richer broth to deepen the flavor or use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Heavy Cream – Delivers that creamy, smooth texture; half-and-half is a lighter alternative, albeit less creamy.
Provolone Cheese (Shredded) – Melts perfectly, embodying the essence of a cheesesteak; try mozzarella for a milder taste.

For the Topping

Bacon (Crispy) – Infuses smokiness and a delightful crunch; turkey bacon is a leaner option if desired.

For the Cheesy Toast

Bread & Butter – Essential for rich, cheesy toast that pairs beautifully with the soup; any bread will do, but sourdough gives it a unique twist.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping your ingredients for the Philly Cheesesteak Soup. Thinly slice the beef steak, dice the onion, slice the bell pepper, and mince the garlic. This ensures a smooth cooking process and helps all flavors meld together effectively as you proceed. Having everything ready will make each step feel effortless.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, add the diced onion, cooking until it turns soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then, toss in the sliced bell pepper and minced garlic, stirring for another 2 minutes until fragrant. This fragrant base sets the stage for the delicious flavors of your Philly Cheesesteak Soup.

Step 3: Cook Beef
Add the thinly sliced beef to the pot, spreading it out evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, searing the beef lightly until browned. Stir occasionally, ensuring you lock in the flavors without overcooking. The beef should be just cooked through, making it tender and ready to soak up all the savory goodness of the soup.

Step 4: Build Soup
Pour in 4 cups of beef broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. As the broth begins to bubble and steam, you’ll know it’s time for the next step in crafting your creamy Philly Cheesesteak Soup.

Step 5: Make Creamy
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream gradually, mixing well. Next, add 1 cup of shredded provolone cheese a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and the mixture is creamy. Be patient to ensure a smooth consistency, as this step is crucial for achieving that velvety texture.

Step 6: Prepare Cheesy Toast
While the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Butter slices of bread on one side, top with a generous amount of shredded cheese, and place them on a baking sheet. Broil for about 2-4 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This cheesy toast will perfectly complement your hearty soup.

Step 7: Finish & Serve
Before serving your Philly Cheesesteak Soup, season it with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the creamy goodness into bowls, then sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for that extra crunch. Serve with your piping hot cheesy toast alongside, ready to dip into the rich, flavorful soup for a delightful meal.

Make Ahead Options

These One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast are ideal for busy weeknights when you need to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can chop the vegetables (onion, bell pepper, and garlic) and slice the beef up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. The soup base can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; simply reheat it gently on the stove before adding the heavy cream and provolone cheese. For the cheesy toast, prepare the bread and cheese mix, then broil just before serving for that delightful, bubbly finish. With these make-ahead options, you’ll enjoy the comforting flavors of this soup with minimal effort!

What to Serve with One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast

A cozy bowl of creamy soup can be the heart of a delightful meal, inviting warmth and flavor into your dining experience.

Crispy Green Salad: Crisp, fresh greens dressed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette offer a bright, refreshing contrast to the rich soup. It’s a delightfully light complement that awakens your palate between each creamy spoonful.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies, caramelized to perfection, adds color and nutrition, enhancing the meal’s heartiness. The rustic, earthy flavors of roasted root vegetables beautifully balance the creamy soup and provide satisfying textures.
Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread, slathered with butter and herbs, provides a crunchy, buttery addition to the dinner table, perfect for dipping into the rich soup. The buttery goodness harmonizes with the flavors of the Philly cheesesteak.
Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a little heat, pickled jalapeños add zing and brightness to the plate, elevating the overall experience with a flavorful kick. They invite a delightful contrast that spices things up!
Creamy Polenta: A comforting side of creamy polenta creates a luscious addition that pairs wonderfully with the soup, adding an extra creamy texture and warmth to your meal. Each bite becomes a taste of home and coziness.
Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy treats offer a hint of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory cheesesteak soup. Their delightful crunch will keep everyone reaching for more, making them an irresistible side.
Apple Crisp: End the meal on a sweet note with a warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream. The sweet-tart apples and crunchy topping make for an indulgent finale that pairs beautifully after a rich, savory soup.
Chilled Lemonade: A refreshing glass of homemade lemonade ties the meal together, providing a bright and zesty drink option to cleanse the palate between bites. The sharp citrus notes will awaken your taste buds!

Storage Tips for Philly Cheesesteak Soup

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the soup chilled to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: This Philly Cheesesteak Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to revive its creamy consistency and enhance flavors.

Cheesy Toast Storage: For best results, make cheesy toast fresh. If leftovers remain, store them in the fridge for up to 2 days, but note that they may lose some crispness.

Philly Cheesesteak Soup Variations

Feel free to make this comforting Philly Cheesesteak Soup your own with these delightful twists.

Mushroom Add-In: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy flavor that deepens the soup’s richness.
Adding mushrooms not only contributes a wonderful umami taste but also adds a delightful texture that complements the beef beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or other hot peppers to bring a fiery twist and amp up the flavor profile.
This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals; just a few slices can transform your soup into a spicy sensation.
Cheese Swap: Replace provolone cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a unique flavor alteration.
Cheddar adds a sharpness that contrasts nicely with the creaminess, while pepper jack introduces a delightful zing—all fitting for a cozy dinner.
Vegetarian Version: Use a hearty substitute like lentils or jackfruit instead of beef for a vegetarian-friendly option.
With the right spices and seasonings, you can achieve a comforting bowl that’s just as satisfying without meat.
Creamy Alfredo Boost: Stir in a splash of Alfredo sauce for an extra creamy finish to your soup.
It’ll deepen the richness while bringing a touch of Italian flair to this classic recipe; trust me, it’s a delicious surprise!
Add Greens: Toss in fresh spinach or kale just before serving for a nutritious boost and vibrant color.
This not only increases your veggie intake but also adds a lovely contrast to the warm, creamy soup—perfect for a guilt-free indulgence.
Different Broth: Swap beef broth for chicken or vegetable broth to modify the flavor base.
Each broth has its unique qualities, allowing you to tailor the taste to your liking, yet still creating that cozy vibe we all crave.
Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a burst of brightness and freshness.
These herbs can elevate the flavors and make simple comforts feel gourmet—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself!

Why not serve your customized soup alongside some crispy bacon from my Black Bean Soup for an added crunch? And for the ultimate comfort combo, enjoy with a side of my delightful Cheesy Mashed Potato. Remember, the possibilities are as endless as your creativity in the kitchen!

Expert Tips for Philly Cheesesteak Soup

Slice Beef Thin: Thinly sliced beef ensures maximum tenderness; slightly freeze the steak for easier slicing if needed.
Gradual Cheese Addition: Always add provolone cheese gradually over low heat to create a smooth, creamy consistency and prevent clumping in your Philly Cheesesteak Soup.
Crisp Bacon: Cook bacon until it’s very crispy for an ideal texture. This crunchy topping enhances the entire dish’s flavor and presentation.
Full-Fat Cream: Utilize heavy cream for the richest flavor. Substitutes may alter the creaminess—stick with full-fat for that luxurious texture.
Store Wisely: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container, where they can last up to 3 days. Reheat gently, rejuvenating the soup with a splash of broth or milk for added moisture.

Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast Recipe FAQs

What kind of beef should I use for the soup?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced beef steak is ideal for this soup, but if you’re looking for added tenderness, feel free to substitute with sirloin or ribeye. Ensure that the slices are cut as thinly as possible for the best texture and flavor absorption.

How should I store leftovers of the Philly Cheesesteak Soup?
You can store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it to maintain freshness. If you need to reheat it, gently warm it on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore that creamy consistency.

Can I freeze this Philly Cheesesteak Soup?
Yes, indeed! This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To do this, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zipper bags. Remember to label them with the date for easy tracking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little liquid if needed.

What if my soup is too thick when reheating?
If you find your soup has thickened during storage or reheating, no worries! Just add a splash of beef broth or milk—preferably warm—while stirring gently until you reach your desired consistency. This will bring back that luscious creaminess and keep every spoonful delightful!

Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Certainly! To make a dairy-free version of this Philly Cheesesteak Soup, substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk or a non-dairy cream product. For the cheese, try using dairy-free cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the milk. It may change the texture slightly, but it can be just as comforting and delicious!

How do I know when the beef is perfectly cooked?
Cooking the beef to the right point is crucial for that tender bite! Look for it to be browned and just cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes after adding it to the pot. If you see a slight shimmer and it’s no longer pink, you’re on the right track. Perfectly cooked beef ensures a delightful experience in each bowl!