Cheeseburger Soup

My family has really been enjoying the cooler fall weather, which makes me think of soup.  As I've told you before, my husband Dan does not consider soup a meal, but he has been at work all week so I made a pot of this soup at the beginning of the week.  The kids and I love this recipe that has been around forever.  I'm not even sure where my original recipe came from.  Of course I've tweaked it a little to my family's taste.  I've seen versions of it in Southern Living, Taste of Home and various community cookbooks.  I'm sure you've had it before, but if you haven't, you need to make a pot.  It is great for a crowd and very kid friendly.

Cheeseburger Soup
1/2  pound ground beef
3/4  cup onion, chopped
3/4  cup celery, chopped
3/4  cup carrots, chopped
1  tablespoon minced garlic
1  teaspoon dried basil
1  teaspoon dried parsley
3  cups chicken broth
4  cups potatoes, cubed
3  tablespoons butter
1/4  cup flour
1  1/2  cups milk
2  cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/4  cup sour cream
Salt & Pepper, to taste


Cook ground beef in a Dutch Oven over medium high heat for about 3 to 4 minutes until meat is beginning to brown.  Add the onion, celery and carrots. Continue cooking until beef is done and your vegetables are tender.  Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.  


Stir in dried basil & parsley.  Add the chicken broth and cubed potatoes and bring the pot to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.


In a small sauce pan melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to make a roux.  Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbly, whisking constantly. Slowly whisk in milk and stir until smooth. 


Gradually add the milk mixture to your soup stirring constantly.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 6 to 8 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and add cheese, stir until melted.  Stir in sour cream and season with salt & pepper to taste.


Some ideas for garnish: extra shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomato, green onion, cooked & crumbled bacon.  Also, really good with a splash or two of Frank's Hot Sauce.


Enjoy!


Kim