Cheeseburger Soup

I'm a big fan of soup. 

Especially on really cold days.
Serve it up with biscuits, cornbread, crackers....

or Grilled Cheese Sandwiches! Yum!

Cheeseburger soup is a thick, rich and hearty soup that will warm you up after a long cold day.
This soup is full of veggies and ground beef...

with a thick base..seasoned to perfection!

Cheeseburger Soup

1/2 lb ground beef (I used ground chuck 80/20)

3/4 cup chopped onion (1 small)

3/4 cup shredded carrots (1 1/2 cups baby carrots)

3/4 cup diced celery (2 - 3 stalks)
(I put all of my veggies in a food chopper together and chopped

until they are about 1/2 inch pieces)

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried parsley flakes

4 TBSP butter, divided

3 cups chicken broth (I used low fat)

4 cups, peeled and diced potatoes (3 - 4 medium)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (I used white whole wheat flour)

2 cups (8 oz) process cheese (Velveeta) (I used 2% milk Velveeta)

1 1/2 cups milk (I used skim milk)

3/4 tsp salt

1/4  - 1/2 tsp pepper

1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
(I skipped it this time, but normally use low fat)

In a 3 qt saucepan, cook beef until no longer pink. Drain and set aside.

In the same saucepan, saute onion, carrots and celery, basil and parsley in 1 TBSP butter.

Cook until veggies are tender, about 10 minutes. 

Add the beef to back to the soup.

Add the broth, potatoes and bring to a boil.
Stir until combined.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 10 - 12 minutes 

or until potatoes are tender. 

In a small skillet, melt remaining butter. Add flour and cook for 3  5 minutes or until bubbly. 

Add the milk and, using a whisk, stir until all flour chunks are dissolved.  

Cook on med/low heat until thickened.

Add milk/flour mixture to soup.  Stir until all is combined. 

Cook on medium heat for 2 minutes.
Do not allow it to boil.
Add cheese, salt and pepper.

Cook on low until cheese is melted.

Turn off heat and add sour cream. 

Enjoy!

adapted from Taste of Home
Heartwarming Soups
Dec. 2008