`Tis the Season for Soup - Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal and is always a hit with the kids!  Serve with rolls, biscuits or crackers and maybe a salad on the side.  It makes quite a bit and is great for reheating or lunches.  A nice warm soup is perfect for taking off the chill of these sub-freezing days we get `round these parts.

Cheeseburger Soup:



1/2-1 pound of ground beef (depending on how filling you want it to be!)
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and sliced (optional)
3-4 cups chicken or beef broth (or half and half)

2-3 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried parsley
salt and pepper to taste

2 Tbs butter
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 cups milk
8 ounces American cheese, cubed

1/4 cup sour cream (optional)