Cheeseburger Soup

Great recipe from a friend. I came up with the idea of mushrooms, crumbled bacon or different cheese. Can be used for lunch or dinner.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb ground beef
• 3⁄4 cup  chopped onion
• 3⁄4 cup  shredded carrot
• 3⁄4 cup  diced celery
• 1  teaspoon dried basil
• 1  teaspoon dried parsley
• 4  tablespoons butter or 4  tablespoons margarine, divided
• 3  cups chicken broth
• 4  cups  diced peeled potatoes
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 8  ounces process American cheese, cubed
• 1 1⁄2 cups milk
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄4 cup sour cream
•  mushroom, crumbled bacon,different cheese like cheddar optional

Directions

1. In a 3-qt.
2. saucepan, brown beef; drain and set aside.
3. In the same saucepan, sauté onion, carrots, celery, basil and parsley in 1 tablespoon butter until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add broth, potatoes and beef; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
6. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt remaining butter.
7. Add flour; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly.
8. Add to soup; bring to a boil.
9. Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
10. Reduce heat to low.
11. Add cheese, milk, salt and pepper; cook and stir until cheese melts.
12. Remove from the heat; blend in sour cream.
13. Serve with crackers and/or bread.