Cheeseburger Soup

Since January is National Soup Month, I thought I'd make a pot to honor the month. So tonight we are having Cheeseburger Soup. Oh this is a definite yummy recipe. If Martha Stewart were here, I know she'd say..."It's a good thing!"

Cheeseburger Soup
1 lb. ground beef
3/4 c. chopped onion
3/4 c. chopped carrots
3/4 c. diced celery
1 tsp. dried basil
3 T. butter, divided
3 c. chicken broth
4 c. potatoes, peeled & diced
1/4 c. flour
1/2 of a large block of processed cheese loaf, diced
1 1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. sour cream
1 T. old bay seasoning
salt & pepper to taste
*For an added variation, you can also add is a couple slices of cooked & crumbled bacon strips.

In a skillet, cook beef until browned & no longer pink. Drain and set aside.

In a large pot, saute onion, carrots, celery and basil in 1 T. butter until vegetables are softened; about 5 minutes.

Stir in broth, potatoes and beef. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

In a saucepan melt remaining butter and whisk in flour to make a roux.

Briskly stir roux into soup mixture. Let simmer about 5 minutes.

Now add in cheese, milk, Old Bay, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly until cheese melts.

Remove from heat and blend in sour cream. Serve warm.

Click HERE for printable recipe