Cheeseburger Soup

Makes 8 servings (2 1/4 quarts)

ingredients

1/2 pound ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup shredded carrot
3/4 cup diced celery
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
4 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
3 cups chicken broth
4 cups diced peeled potatoes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
8 ounces processed American cheese or 2% Velveeta, cubed (2 cups)
1 1/2 cups milk (2%)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup light sour cream

directions

In a 3-qt saucepan, brown beef; and set aside. In the same saucepan, saute onion, carrots, celery, basil and parsley in 1 Tablespoon butter until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. 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. Add to soup; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add cheese , milk, salt, pepper; cook and stir until cheese melts. Remove from heat; blend in sour cream

Source: Mom (Kari Pierce)