Cheeseburger Soup

Description: When I first read the words "Cheeseburger Soup" on the menu of our local deli - my thought was YUCK! This was the special every Friday! Well one Friday I decided to broaden my taste buds and give it a try! It was sooooo good! Being the cook that I am, I just knew I could make this on my own. So here is my version and If I do say so myself - "it's better than the deli's" but shhhh....don't tell them!!!!!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3/4 cup shredded carrot
• 3/4 cup chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups potatoes, cubed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 4 tablespoons butter or 4 tablespoons margarine

Steps:

1. In a large pot, brown ground beef and onion.
2. Add broth, celery, carrots, parsley and potatoes.
3. Bring to a boil, and then simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
4. In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in flour.
5. Add the milk, stirring until smooth.
6. Gradually add milk mixture to the soup, stirring constantly.
7. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer.
8. Stir in cheese; continue to stir until cheese is melted then serve.
9. Do not boil.