One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast

If you’re craving comfort food that delivers big on flavor with minimal cleanup, this One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast is about to become your new favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, hearty, and brings together everything you love about a classic Philly cheesesteak—but in spoonable, soul-warming form.

This one-pot recipe combines savory steak, sautéed peppers and onions, melty provolone cheese, smoky bacon, and a touch of cream for ultimate richness. Top it off with crispy, cheesy toast on the side and you’ve got a dish that checks every box for a cozy night in.

Wondering how to make soups that really sing? This guide to great soup-making offers clever, non-basic tips that every home cook should know. It explains flavor layering, balancing umami, and how to get that deep, restaurant-quality taste at home.

Choosing the right ingredients is essential, especially the beef. If you’re unsure which cut is best for soup, check out this steak guide from The Kitchn to learn how to select and slice beef that will stay tender and flavorful in a hot broth.

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pot meal = fewer dishes
Combines soup, sandwich, and steakhouse vibes in one dish
Family-friendly and kid-approved
Great for meal prepping and leftovers
Ready in under 45 minutes

🛒 Ingredients Breakdown For One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast

Here’s everything you need to make this epic Philly cheesesteak soup:

Meat

1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or flank steak (cut into short strips)
6 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled

Vegetables

1 onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, julienned
8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

6 cups beef broth
1/2 cup beef consomme (optional, for richness)
1/3 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Seasonings & Extras

1 tbsp tomato paste (for umami)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Better Than Bouillon (beef or mushroom)
Salt & pepper to taste

Cheese

1 cup shredded provolone (Fontina or aged white cheddar also work)

Cheesy Toast

6 slices of crusty bread (baguette or sourdough)
2 tbsp butter
1 cup shredded cheddar or provolone cheese

🍲 Step-by-Step Instructions Of One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast

1. Sear the Steak

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high.
Add sliced steak and sear until browned (don’t overcook).
Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed.
Sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms for about 5–7 minutes.

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

3. Add Seasonings & Liquids

Stir in tomato paste, paprika, Worcestershire, and Better Than Bouillon.
Sprinkle in a bit of flour (optional, for slight thickening).
Pour in beef broth and consomme.
Bring to a simmer for 10–15 minutes.

4. Cream & Cheese Time

Lower heat and stir in heavy cream.
Gradually add shredded provolone cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Return steak and crumbled bacon to the pot. Let simmer 5 more minutes.

🧀 Make the Cheesy Toast

While the soup simmers:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Spread butter on each bread slice.
Top with shredded cheese.
Bake or broil until melted and golden.

💡 Expert Tips for Perfect Soup

Slice beef across the grain to keep it tender.
Don’t overcook the cream—keep the heat low to avoid curdling.
Stir cheese in gradually to prevent clumping.
Deglaze the pot after sautéing for more flavor.

🥓 Why Add Bacon?

Bacon elevates this dish with:

Smoky flavor that pairs with the beef
Crunchy texture contrast
A salty balance to the creamy soup base

It’s optional—but highly recommended. You’ll love that extra bite of umami.

A hearty one-pot soup packed with tender beef, peppers, onions, and bacon, served with cheesy toasted bread for the ultimate Philly cheesesteak twist.

🔁 Variations to Try

One of the best things about this One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast is how versatile it is. Whether you’re working with specific dietary needs, craving extra heat, or just using what’s in your fridge, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own without losing that comfort food magic.

🥩 Protein Swaps

Ground beef: A budget-friendly and quicker alternative to sliced steak. Still hearty and flavorful.

Shaved beef or deli roast beef: Perfect for shortcuts. Add it later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
Chicken or turkey: For a leaner twist, substitute with thinly sliced chicken breast or ground turkey for a “Philly chicken cheesesteak” vibe.

🌶️ Spice It Up

Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for a kick.

Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or chili crisp for heat and depth.

🧀 Cheese Alternatives

Not a provolone fan? Try:
- Fontina for meltiness and richness
- Aged white cheddar for sharpness
- Mozzarella for a milder, stretchy texture
- Blue cheese crumbles for a bold, gourmet twist

🥖 Cheesy Toast Options

Swap out baguette slices for Texas toast, ciabatta, or even garlic naan.

Try a French onion soup-style topping—place oven-safe bowls under the broiler with cheese directly melted on top of the soup.

🥦 Veggie Additions

Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or even cauliflower rice for extra nutrition and bulk.

🥄 Low-Carb / Keto-Friendly

Skip the bread and thicken the soup with extra cheese or cream.

Use riced cauliflower or extra mushrooms to keep it hearty and satisfying.

With just a few tweaks, this cozy classic can suit nearly any taste or dietary preference.

🥗 What to Serve with It

While this One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast is hearty enough to stand on its own, pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, casual get-together, or weeknight comfort session, these sides will elevate the experience.

🥖 Bread-Based Sides

Cheesy toast is already built into the recipe, but you can upgrade it with:
- Garlic butter and herbs
- Everything bagel seasoning
- A dash of crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Bread bowl: For a fun, rustic presentation, ladle your soup into a hollowed-out sourdough bowl. The bread soaks up all the creamy, beefy goodness.

🥗 Fresh Salads

A crisp salad is the perfect way to cut through the richness of the soup. Try:

Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Spinach salad with red onion, feta, and balsamic glaze
Cucumber and tomato salad with dill and olive oil

🌶️ Pickled or Acidic Sides

To balance the creamy, cheesy base, serve with something tangy:

Pickles (dill, spicy, or bread & butter)
Pickled onions or banana peppers
Giardiniera for a spicy Italian twist

🥬 Roasted or Sautéed Veggies

For added nutrition and flavor:

Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
Sautéed green beans with garlic
Charred broccoli with parmesan

With these pairings, your Philly cheesesteak soup transforms from a comforting bowl into a full-on restaurant-style experience right at home.

🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

Storing

Let the soup cool fully before transferring.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low.
Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

Freezing

Freeze without cheese for best texture.
Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

🧠 FAQs About One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast

What is Philly cheesesteak soup made of?

It’s made with steak, sautéed peppers and onions, mushrooms, beef broth, cream, and provolone cheese. Some recipes, like this one, include bacon and serve it with cheesy toast for a complete meal.

Can I use ground beef instead of steak?

Absolutely. Ground beef is a great budget option and works well in this soup. Just drain excess fat before adding liquids.

What’s the best cheese for Philly cheesesteak soup?

Provolone is traditional, but Fontina and aged white cheddar offer a creamy melt and sharp flavor. For adventurous cooks, crumbled blue cheese adds a bold twist.

Can I make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! Sear the meat and veggies first, then transfer to your slow cooker or pressure cooker. Add liquids and cook on low (4–6 hours) or use soup setting for pressure cooker.

Is this gluten-free?

Omit the cheesy toast or use gluten-free bread. Also, check that your broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

🔚 Final Thoughts

When it comes to comfort food with a twist, this One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast hits every mark. It takes the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—juicy beef, sautéed onions and peppers, melted provolone—and transforms them into a warm, creamy soup that’s both satisfying and soul-soothing. Add crispy bacon for a smoky punch and serve it alongside golden, cheesy toast to complete the ultimate cold-weather meal.

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s practical. With its one-pot simplicity, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend game days, or even meal prep. You can customize it to suit your diet, spice level, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re a soup lover or just looking to shake up your dinner routine, this recipe is guaranteed to please.

So next time you’re craving something cozy, skip the takeout and make this at home. It’s rich, savory, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting. Pair it with a side salad or enjoy it all on its own—it’s a complete meal in every bite.

Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? This Philly cheesesteak soup is calling your name. 🧀🥓🥣