Cheeseburger Soup

This has become one of our new favourite soups.

Cheeseburger Soup - serves 4-5
1/2 lb ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup diced carrots
3/4 cup diced celery
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried parley
4 tbsp butter, divided
3 cups chicken broth
4 cups diced, peeled potatoes
1/4 cup flour
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 tsp salt
dash of red pepper flakes or tabasco sauce, optional
pepper to taste

Brown ground beef. Drain and set aside. In a large saucepan, saute onion, celery, carrots, basil and parsley in 1 Tbsp butter until vegetables are tender. Add broth, potatoes, and beef. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt remaining 3 Tbsp butter. Add flour, stir and cook for 3-5 minutes. Slowly add milk, whisking away any lumps. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Once mixture is thickened, add shredded cheese and melt. Add cheese sauce to soup shortly before serving.