Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger Soup

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup shredded carrots
3/4 cup diced celery
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
4 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
3 cups chicken broth
4 cups diced peeled potatoes
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 cups cheese (I like cheddar or cheddar jack)
1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup sour cream

In 3 qt. saucepan, brown beef; drain and set aside.  In the same saucepan, saute onion, carrots, celery, basil, and parsley in 1 tablespoon butter until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.  Add broth, potatoes and beef; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.  Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt remaining butter.  Add flour; cook and stir until combined. Add milk gradually to make a thick white sauce. When the vegetables are tender, add the white sauce to the soup. Add cheese, salt, and pepper; cook and stir until cheese melts.  Remove from heat; blend in sour cream.  Yields: 8 servings (2 1/4 quarts)