Classic Philly Cheesesteak Soup Recipe

Cozy Up with Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Soup Recipe Tonight!

Comfort meets culinary magic in this soul-warming philly cheesesteak soup that captures the essence of Philadelphia’s iconic sandwich.

Tender strips of beef mingle with melted cheese, creating a rich and satisfying meal in a bowl.

Caramelized onions and bell peppers add depth and authentic flavor to every spoonful.

The recipe transforms classic sandwich ingredients into a creamy, indulgent soup that feels like a warm embrace.

Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, this soup delivers restaurant-quality comfort right in your kitchen.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through layers of savory goodness.

Prepare to fall in love with a soup that redefines comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 620 kcal

Servings: 5

Gather These for One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast

For Base Ingredients:
  • Bacon: Adds smoky depth and crispy texture, choose thick-cut for maximum flavor punch.
  • Beef: Select tender sirloin or ribeye for rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality, trim excess fat.
  • Olive Oil: Creates perfect sautéing base, use extra virgin for subtle fruity undertone.
For Flavor Builders:
  • Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper: Creates aromatic vegetable foundation, select firm and vibrant peppers without blemishes.
  • Garlic: Provides intense savory notes, choose fresh bulbs with firm, unbruised cloves.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers umami complexity, opt for traditional aged varieties.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky warmth, choose high-quality Spanish varieties.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning enhancers, use freshly ground black pepper.
For Creamy and Cheesy Elements:
  • Beef Broth: Creates rich liquid base, select low-sodium for better flavor control.
  • Flour: Helps thicken soup, use all-purpose for smooth consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious silkiness, select high-fat content cream.
  • Provolone, Mozzarella: Delivers gooey cheese experience, choose freshly shredded versions.
  • Bread: Foundation for cheesy toast, use day-old crusty bread for best results.
  • Butter: Provides golden toasting for bread, select unsalted for precise seasoning.

Equipment That Helps With Philly Cheesesteak Soup Night

Equipment & Tools:
  • Large pot: Essential for cooking bacon, beef, and creating the soup base.
  • Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon and cooked beef without excess fat.
  • Cutting board: Needed for slicing beef, dicing onions, and bell peppers.
  • Sharp knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and meat preparation.
  • Baking sheet: Used for making cheesy toast under the broiler.
  • Broiler: Helps create crispy, melted cheese on toast.
  • Ladle: Great for serving soup evenly into bowls.
  • Measuring spoons and cups: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Soup in Just One Pot

  • Crisp Up Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a large pot until golden and crunchy. Scoop out the crispy bits and set aside, keeping that delicious fat in the pot.

  • Brown the Beef

Quickly sear beef slices in the bacon drippings, creating a rich, caramelized exterior. Remove and reserve with the bacon.

  • Wake Up the Vegetables

Toss diced onions and peppers into the pot, letting them dance and soften. Splash in minced garlic for an aromatic punch.

  • Build the Liquid

Dust vegetables with flour, then pour in beef broth while stirring. Splash in Worcestershire sauce and sprinkle smoked paprika for depth.

  • Simmer and Enrich

Let the soup bubble gently, melding flavors. Swirl in heavy cream, then reunite the beef and bacon with their savory bath.

  • Create Cheesy Crowns

Butter bread slices and blanket them with melty cheese. Broil until they turn golden and irresistibly bubbly.

  • Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, crown with extra cheese, and nestle the crispy cheesy toast alongside or on top.

Bacon, Cheese, and Add-On Ideas for This Soup

  • Choose ribeye or sirloin for the most tender beef, or swap with ground beef for a budget-friendly alternative. Thinly slice against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives on toast for those with milk sensitivities.
  • Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick. Experiment with different peppers like jalapeños or poblanos to customize heat levels and flavor profiles.
  • Skip the bread and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Replace flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a gluten-free thickening option.
  • Substitute beef with mushrooms like portobello or cremini for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth and plant-based bacon alternatives to maintain rich, savory flavors.

Serve This Philly Cheesesteak Soup Hot With Toast

  • Cozy Comfort Companions: Pairing suggestions that elevate this hearty soup experience.
  • Crisp Green Salad Sidekick: Toss a light, tangy mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and add fresh crunch.
  • Pickled Pepper Punch: Serve quick-pickled jalapeños or banana peppers on the side for diners who want an extra kick of heat and tanginess.
  • Beer Buddy Brilliance: Pour a cold amber ale or craft lager that complements the beef and bacon flavors, creating a perfect winter meal combination.

Store and Warm Up Philly Cheesesteak Soup Smoothly

  • Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain flavor and texture.
  • Freeze soup without the cheesy toast for maximum preservation. Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at top. Stays delicious for 2-3 months.
  • Thaw frozen soup overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently on stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore creamy consistency. Add splash of beef broth if soup seems thick.
  • Keep cheesy toast separate from soup when storing. Reheat toast in toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy bread.

FAQs

  • Is this soup spicy?

No, the soup is not spicy. It uses smoked paprika for depth of flavor, but there are no hot peppers or spicy ingredients that would make it truly spicy.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with sliced chicken or turkey for a lighter version of the soup. Just ensure the meat is thinly sliced and cooked through.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this soup?

You only need a large pot and a baking sheet with an oven for the broiler. A slotted spoon is helpful but not mandatory. A standard kitchen setup works perfectly for this recipe.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour for thickening and uses bread for the cheesy toast. To make it gluten-free, you would need to substitute the flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free bread.

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Classic Philly Cheesesteak Soup Recipe

Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Soup


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup blends Philadelphia sandwich flavors into a comforting soup. Rich beef, melted provolone, and crispy bacon create a satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or steak, thinly sliced or diced
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 4 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices crusty bread (like baguette or sourdough)
  • 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Bacon Preparation: Render bacon in a spacious pot over medium heat until crisp and golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the flavorful drippings.
  2. Beef Searing: Brown beef slices in bacon fat, creating a rich caramel-colored exterior. Set aside with the crispy bacon.
  3. Vegetable Foundation: Sauté onions and bell peppers in the same pot, coaxing out their natural sweetness and softening their texture for about 6 minutes. Add garlic and quickly toast to release its aromatic essence.
  4. Roux Creation: Sprinkle flour over the vegetable medley, stirring meticulously to construct a smooth, golden thickening agent for the soup’s base.
  5. Liquid Transformation: Pour beef broth into the pot, whisking continuously to eliminate potential lumps. Enhance with Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, building a complex flavor profile.
  6. Simmer and Develop: Allow the soup to gently bubble, melding ingredients and intensifying flavors for 12-15 minutes. Introduce heavy cream, then reunite the reserved beef and bacon, simmering an additional 4-5 minutes.
  7. Cheesy Toast Finale: Brush bread with butter and blanket with provolone cheese. Broil until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden crust with crispy edges.
  8. Serving Presentation: Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls, optionally sprinkling additional cheese. Accompany with the decadent cheesy toast for an indulgent dipping experience.

Notes

  • Bacon Drippings Boost: Save those bacon fat remnants – they’re liquid gold for building deep, rich flavor foundations in this soup.
  • Meat Slicing Technique: Cut beef against the grain into ultra-thin slices to ensure maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
  • Prevent Flour Clumping: Whisk flour slowly and consistently to create a smooth roux without lumpy texture disruptions.
  • Cream Incorporation Trick: Add heavy cream at the end of cooking and avoid boiling to prevent potential separation and maintain silky soup consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1100 mg
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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