Cheeseburger Chowder

This might be a horrible picture, it's so dark at dinner time right now, but this is a delicious soup. I got this recipe years ago from an episode of Sara Moulton's show, Cooking Live, on the Food Network (does anyone else remember that show - I loved it), though I have recently seen this recipe pop up all over the place on Pinterest. It is just a wonderful soup that tastes a lot like a cheeseburger. It's thick and rich and cheesy. Yum. I served it with some homemade Italian bread and it was a great dinner for a cold night - totally family pleasing.

Cheeseburger Chowder

1 lb ground beef

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup diced celery

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried parsley

4 cups chicken broth

4 cups diced potatoes (about 2 large or 3 medium)

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup flour

16 oz Velveeta, cubed

1 1/2 cups milk

3/4 teaspoon salt

pepper to taste

1/4 cup sour cream

Topping: shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or pickles (optional)

In a large saucepan or soup pot, brown ground beef. Drain and remove from pan, set aside.

In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables a few minutes then add basil and parsley. Cook until vegetables are tender. Add broth, browned beef, and diced potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked through. 

In a small saucepan melt 1/3 cup butter. Add 1/3 cup flour and whisk. Cook, whisking, for a minute. Add this roux to the soup and bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat and add cubed Velveeta, milk, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until cheese melts. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream. Serve individual servings with shredded cheese and or diced tomatoes and pickles (I know it sounds gross, but it is actually so tasty!).