Cheeseburger Soup

I never enter the various blog hops that appear around the Internet from time to time, but when Mel @ the Larson Lingo started one involving soup, I knew I had to participate. This is my family's favorite soup and "go to" recipe when hosting a large number of people. Every time we make it someone asks for the recipe so this is a great opportunity to pass it along to others!  

I didn't actually make a batch this time because I am doing a food challenge at the CrossFit gym that involves eating only very specific foods at specific times, but I wanted to share the recipe and encourage you to give it a try. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Cheeseburger Soup

1 pound spicy Italian sausage or ground beef depending on preference 

3/4 c. chopped onion

3/4 c. shredded carrots

3/4 c. diced celery

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

4 tablespoons butter, divided

3 cups chicken broth

4 cups diced peeled potatoes

1/4 c. all-purpose flour

2 c. (8 oz.) processed cheese (Velveeta)

1- 1/2 cups milk

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 to 1/2 tsp pepper

1/4 cup sour cream

*In a 3 qt. saucepan, cook beef until no longer pink; drain & set aside. In the same saucepan, saute onion, carrots, celery, basil, and parsley in 1 tablespoon butter until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes (mom and I sauteed them in the sausage grease, instead of butter.) Add broth, potatoes, and beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 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 (more like a minute for us!) Add to soup; bring to boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add cheese (we cut it in cubes first), milk, salt, and pepper; cook and stir until cheese melts. Remove from heat; blend in sour cream.

image from allhealthyrecipes.com 

Enjoy :) 

***I believe the original recipe came from Taste of Home but has been modified some as we put our own family twist on it.