Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup diced celery
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups cubed Velveeta cheese or shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of butter. Toss in the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and dried parsley flakes. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables become tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Add the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Prepare the Roux: In a separate small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour, whisking continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Slowly pour the milk mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the soup back to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese or shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the soup is creamy.
- Season and Finish: Stir in the salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Remove the pot from heat and blend in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings, such as crumbled bacon, additional shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or even diced pickles for an authentic cheeseburger experience.