One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast

### Instructions for Making One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup

#### 1. **Cook the Bacon and Toast the Bread**
Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot. Next, butter the slices of bread and toast them in the same pot until golden brown on both sides. Once the bread is toasted, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt as the bread continues to toast. Once the cheese has melted and the bread is crispy, remove from the pot and set aside.

#### 2. **Cook the Steak and Vegetables**
In the same pot, add olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to brown and cook through. Once done, remove the steak from the pot and set aside.

Next, add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the pot, cooking them for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.

#### 3. **Make the Soup Base**
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables if you’d like to thicken the soup slightly. Stir the flour in, then slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and the flavors to blend.

#### 4. **Add the Cheese**
Once the soup has simmered and thickened, return the cooked steak to the pot. Stir in the provolone and cheddar cheeses, and continue stirring until the cheese has melted into the soup, creating a creamy and cheesy texture.

#### 5. **Top with Bacon**
Finally, crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the soup, stirring it in to give it a savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.

### Assembling Your Dish

Ladle the warm soup into bowls and top each one with a slice of your cheesy toast. The cheesy toast adds a deliciously crunchy texture, making each bite of the soup even more satisfying.

For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some extra crumbled bacon on top and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

### Why This Recipe Works

– **Comforting and Hearty**: The soup brings together everything you love about a Philly cheesesteak, but in a much more comforting, bowl-friendly form. The creamy base and melted cheese combine perfectly with the tender steak and sautéed vegetables for a dish that will keep you coming back for more.

– **Minimal Cleanup**: Since everything is made in one pot, cleanup is a breeze! You’ll only need the pot, a spoon, and a cutting board to prep the ingredients, making it an excellent choice for busy nights or after a long day.

– **Bacon & Cheesy Toast**: The crispy bacon adds texture and smoky flavor to the soup, while the cheesy toast brings an indulgent touch. It’s the perfect combination of hearty, cheesy, and savory!

### Tips and Variations

– **Steak Substitutes**: If you prefer a leaner cut of meat, you can substitute ribeye or sirloin with ground beef or chicken. Both will still provide plenty of flavor and work well in the soup base.

– **Vegetable Variations**: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the soup for extra nutrients and flavor.

– **Make It Spicy**: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the soup or drizzle with a bit of hot sauce before serving.

– **Make It Gluten-Free**: To make this soup gluten-free, you can skip the flour or use a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or rice flour. Additionally, ensure the bread you use is gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

### Conclusion

One-Pot Philly Cheesesteak Soup with Bacon and Cheesy Toast is a winning dish that combines everything you love about the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, but in a more comforting and accessible form. With just one pot to clean and a flavor-packed combination of creamy soup, tender steak, sautéed vegetables, and crispy bacon, this is a meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Next time you’re craving something rich and indulgent, try this easy-to-make soup recipe—you’ll be hooked from the first bite!