Cheeseburger Soup

When I first read the words "Cheeseburger Soup" on the menu of our local deli - my thought was YUCK! This was the special every Friday! Well one Friday I decided to broaden my taste buds and give it a try! It was sooooo good! Being the cook that I am, I just knew I could make this on my own. So here is my version and If I do say so myself - "it's better than the deli's" but shhhh....don't tell them!!!!!

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 1  lb ground beef
• 1  onion, diced
• 3⁄4 cup  shredded carrot
• 3⁄4 cup  chopped celery
• 1  teaspoon dried parsley
• 3  cups chicken broth
• 4  cups potatoes, cubed
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2  cups cheddar cheese, cubed
• 1 1⁄2 cups milk
• 4  tablespoons butter or 4  tablespoons margarine

Directions

1. In a large pot, brown ground beef and onion.
2. Add broth, celery, carrots, parsley and potatoes.
3. Bring to a boil, and then simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
4. In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in flour.
5. Add the milk, stirring until smooth.
6. Gradually add milk mixture to the soup, stirring constantly.
7. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer.
8. Stir in cheese; continue to stir until cheese is melted then serve.
9. Do not boil.