Cheeseburger soup

• 2 TBSP butter
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3/4 cup shredded carrots
• 3/4 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups chicken broth (or use 3 cups broth + 1 cup milk for a creamier soup)
• 1 TBSP soy sauce
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried parsley or 1 TBSP fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• 4–5 medium golden potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese, cubed
• 1/3 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. 1

   Over medium-high heat, melt the butter and cook the onion, carrots, celery, red pepper flakes, and ground beef for 5–7 minutes until browned. Keep breaking the meat into small pieces as you cook it. Season with salt and pepper.

2. 2

   Add the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to cook off the raw taste. Add the broth and stir well. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the potatoes, soy sauce, basil, and parsley. Cook, covered, maintaining a gentle simmer for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

3. 3

   Stir in the cheese and cook until melted. Stir in the sour cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Garnish with parsley before serving.