Cheeseburger Soup

Friends - Dessert - Books!  What more could you ask for in a bookclub?  Well, occasionally we also have dinner.  Let me tell you, these Chix can cook.  There are so many great recipes that I will share along the way.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Connie's Cheeseburger Soup
1/2 lb. Ground Beef
3/4 C Onion, chopped
3/4 C Carrots, shredded
3/4 C Celery, diced
1 t Dried Basil
1 t Dried Parsley Flakes
4 T Butter, divided
3 C Chicken Broth
4 C Potatoes, diced & peeled
1/4 C All-Purpose Flour
2 C Velveeta
1-1/2 C Milk
3/4 t Salt
1/2 t Pepper
1/4 C Sour Cream

Brown ground beef in 3 qt. saucepan; drain and set aside.  In same saucepan, saute onion, carrots, celery, basil and parsley in 1 T of butter until veggies are tender, about 10 minutes.  Add broth, potatoes and beef; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt remaining butter.  Add flour; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly.  Add to soup; bring to a boil.  Cook and stir for 2 minutes.  Reduce heat to low.  Add cheese, milk, salt and pepper; cook and stir until cheese melts.  Remove from the heat; blend in sour cream.  Yield:  8 servings.

This soup is so delicious and great for fall and winter.  I loved it so much I made it the following week for my family and they devoured it!  It makes a great hearty soup and one that you will want to share with friends.  Thank you so much Connie, once again you've out done yourself.  Enjoy!!