1. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Crumble the beef as it cooks. Once browned, remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain any excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for cooking the vegetables.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the diced onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Add the chicken or beef broth, diced potatoes, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Thicken the Soup:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the soup. Continue to cook and stir for another 5 minutes, or until the soup has thickened.
5. Add Cheese and Sour Cream:
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth. If using, stir in the sour cream until well combined.
6. Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the cheeseburger soup hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese, chopped pickles, or crumbled bacon if desired.
Tips:
- Variations: Feel free to add other “cheeseburger” elements to the soup, such as diced tomatoes, chopped pickles, or even a dollop of mustard or ketchup when serving.
- Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- Storing: Leftover Cheeseburger Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little milk if the soup has thickened too much upon cooling.
Enjoy this comforting and hearty Cheeseburger Soup, a unique twist on classic flavors that’s sure to become a family favorite!