Cheeseburger Soup

User Rating4.5 Star Rating(4 Reviews)

By Diana Rattray

southernfood.about.com

Cheeseburger Soup

Diana Rattray

Serve this cheeseburger soup as a hearty supper dish with rolls and a salad, or serve a cup with half a sandwich for a satisfying lunch. This soup is loaded with lean ground beef, cheese, and chopped vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
• 2 to 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, yellow or sweet, chopped
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced sweet red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup julienne sliced carrots
• 3 medium yellow or red potatoes, peeled, cubed, about 3 to 4 cups
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried herb seasoning blend or dried leaf basil
• 1 quart chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 cups half-and-half or milk
• 8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded or cut in cubes
• salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Brown ground beef, onion, and celery in a large saucepan or stockpot; add a little olive oil if necessary. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for 1 minute longer. Add the chicken broth, carrots, potatoes, parsley, and basil or herb seasoning blend. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium low heat; stir in flour until smooth, about 30 seconds. Slowly stir in the half-and-half or milk. Stir in cheese. Continue cooking, stirring, until cheese is melted and the mixture is thick and begins to bubble. Stir the milk mixture into the soup mixture until well blended. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Heat thoroughly. Serve with biscuits or crusty rolls. Serves 6 to 8.