There’s nothing quite like the aroma of sizzling bacon and melting cheese wafting through our kitchens. Recently, on a particularly chilly evening, I found myself craving the comforting flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak, but without the fuss of traditional preparation. That’s when inspiration struck, leading me to create this One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast.
In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a creamy, hearty dish that captures the essence of the iconic sandwich, all while enjoying a hassle-free cooking experience. Whether you’re trying to escape the fast-food rut or simply looking for a warm hug in a bowl, this soup is both quick and rewarding. It’s customizable too—spike it up with some jalapeños or turn it vegetarian with mushrooms!
Join me as we melt away the everyday stress with a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Grab your pot, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Why is one-pot Philly cheesesteak soup with bacon and cheesy toast a must-try?
Comforting warmth: With its rich flavors, this soup feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Quick preparation: Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
One-pot delight: Fewer dishes mean more time enjoying your meal and less time cleaning up!
Customizable goodness: Easily adapt it to suit your taste, whether you’re in the mood for spice or a vegetarian twist.
Family favorite: Its cheesy goodness and savory depth will impress everyone at the table!
This one-pot Philly cheesesteak soup with bacon and cheesy toast is the ideal recipe to elevate your cooking game!
One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon Ingredients
• Here’s what you need to create this delightful one-pot Philly cheesesteak soup with bacon and cheesy toast:
For the Soup
- Beef Steak (1 lb, thinly sliced) – Adds protein and richness; sirloin is preferred for tenderness, but any steak cut will work.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped) – Incorporates smokiness and flavor depth; cook until crispy for best results.
- Onion (1, diced) – Adds sweetness and aroma; sweet onions are best, but yellow or red can be alternatives.
- Bell Pepper (1, diced) – Provides sweetness and color; feel free to choose any color for variety.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Enhances flavor profile with aromatic notes; fresh garlic is essential for the best taste.
- Beef Broth (4 cups) – Serves as the soup base; homemade is optimal, but store-bought is convenient.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Creates a creamy mouthfeel; half-and-half can be used for a lighter alternative.
- Provolone Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Adds classic cheesesteak flavor and meltiness; use quality cheese for better melting.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavor profile.
For the Cheesy Toast
- Bread (4 slices) – Serves as the base for cheesy toast; any bread variety works.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Enhances the cheesiness of the toast; feel free to mix in cheddar or gouda for flavor variations.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a soul-satisfying meal!
How to Make One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat for approximately 5-7 minutes until crispy. Set aside, leaving the delicious grease in the pot to enhance flavor.
- Brown Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef steak to the pot, browning it for about 5 minutes. Look for it to take on a nice color, which adds richness to the soup.
- Sauté Vegetables: Toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, filling your kitchen with amazing aromas.
- Add Broth: Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for your soup that’s brimming with taste.
- Combine Cream and Seasoning: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Melt Cheese: After the simmer, add in 1 cup of shredded provolone cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. This is the magic that turns the soup into a hearty delight!
- Prepare Cheesy Toast: While the soup is simmering, place your bread slices under the broiler, topping each with mozzarella. Broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden—watch closely to avoid burning!
- Serve: Ladle the warm, creamy soup into bowls, top each serving with crispy bacon, and enjoy with your cheesy toast on the side for that perfect combo!
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast?
Enhance your dining experience with irresistible sides that complement the hearty flavors of this soup.
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Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad brings a zesty crunch that balances the creamy soup perfectly. Toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for extra brightness.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Adding soft, buttery garlic breadsticks creates a delightful texture contrast and is perfect for dipping into the rich soup. Plus, who doesn’t love more bread?
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Pickles: A side of tangy pickles adds a crunchy zing that cuts through the richness of the soup, making every bite more lively. They’re the perfect palate cleanser!
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Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots add warm earthy flavors. Their caramelized sweetness beautifully complements the savory soup.
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Chips and Salsa: For a fun twist, consider serving tortilla chips with fresh salsa. The crunchiness of the chips and the vibrant flavors of the salsa are a delightful pairing!
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Chocolate Brownies: End your meal on a sweet note with fudgy chocolate brownies. This classic dessert offers the perfect finish—rich, satisfying, and utterly comforting!
Expert Tips for One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup
• Prep Time Saving: Prepare and chop all ingredients before cooking. This will help streamline the process of making your one-pot Philly cheesesteak soup with bacon.
• Browning Matters: Take your time when browning the beef; this step deepens the flavors, creating a taste sensation that elevates your soup.
• Cheese Quality Counts: Use high-quality provolone cheese for the best melting experience. This ensures a creamy texture that you’ll absolutely love!
• Broth Balance: Adjust the amount of beef broth to achieve your desired soup thickness. Too much broth can make it watery, so be mindful of your preference.
• Watch the Broiler: Stay close while broiling the cheesy toast; it can go from perfect to burnt in just moments!
• Enjoy Variations: Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Add jalapeños for heat or substitute beef with mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
Make Ahead Options
These one-pot Philly cheesesteak soup with bacon and cheesy toast components are perfect for those busy weeknights! You can chop the vegetables (onion, bell pepper, and garlic) and store them in the refrigerator up to 3 days in advance, which not only saves you precious time but also keeps them fresh and ready to use. Additionally, you can pre-cook the bacon and beef, allowing you to simply heat them up when you’re ready to combine everything. When it’s time to enjoy your delicious soup, add the broth and cream to the pot, bring to a simmer, and stir in the cheese until melted for that creamy goodness just before serving. This method ensures your soup is just as delightful as when freshly made!
Storage Tips for One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps your one-pot Philly cheesesteak soup with bacon fresh and ready for a quick meal.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup without the cheesy toast in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Cheesy Toast: For best taste, prepare the cheesy toast fresh each time you serve the soup, as it’s best enjoyed warm and crispy!
One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful recipe, as it’s perfect for customizing to your taste buds!
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a zesty kick that’ll warm you even more.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms or tempeh for a hearty yet meatless version that’s equally satisfying.
- Cheese Lovers: Use a blend of different cheeses like gouda, cheddar, and mozzarella for an ultra-cheesy experience that’s simply divine.
- Low-Carb Version: Consider making cauliflower toast or omitting the bread entirely for a lighter, low-carb meal that still comforts.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add a burst of freshness and elevate the flavor profile of your soup.
Experimenting with these variations allows you to cater the dish to your mood and dietary preferences, ensuring every bowl is a warm embrace!
One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best beef steak for the soup?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and tenderness, I recommend using sirloin steak as it’s well-suited for slicing. Look for cuts that are bright red and well-marbled, avoiding those with excessive dark spots. However, if sirloin isn’t available, don’t worry! Any thinly sliced steak will work, like ribeye or flank, just adjust cooking times slightly as needed.
How should I store leftovers of the one-pot Philly cheesesteak soup?
To keep your delicious soup fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you have a quick meal ready for those busy days! If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it without the cheesy toast. Just use a freezer-safe container, and it will be good for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I freeze one-pot Philly cheesesteak soup? How?
Certainly! To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely after cooking. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal it tightly and label it with the date. For reheating, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened too much, simply add a little beef broth to get your desired consistency back.
What are some common troubleshooting tips for the soup?
If your soup has a dull flavor, fear not! Sometimes it just needs a pinch more salt or pepper to brighten it up. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water until you achieve your preferred consistency. For a creamier texture, ensure you’re using high-quality heavy cream. Also, if the soup is too spicy, add a little more cream to mellow it out.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
If you’re serving this one-pot Philly cheesesteak soup to family, keep in mind that it contains beef and dairy, which may be allergens for some. Always check with anyone eating for allergies, particularly to dairy or gluten from the bread. As for pets, this soup is not suitable for them due to its high salt content and should not be shared with your furry friends.
Can I customize the ingredients to make it vegetarian?
Very! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the beef steak with sliced mushrooms or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You could also load it up with more veggies like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition. This way, you still capture that satisfying cheesesteak essence while making it plant-based!
One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon & Cheesy Toast Comfort!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook bacon over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Set aside, leaving the grease in the pot.
- Add thinly sliced beef steak to the pot, browning it for about 5 minutes.
- Toss in diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper; let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add shredded provolone cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Prepare cheesy toast by placing bread under the broiler, topping with mozzarella, and broiling for 2-3 minutes.
- Ladle soup into bowls, topping with crispy bacon, and serve with cheesy toast.