Cheeseburger Soup

For Christmas Eve this year, I made my mom's Cheeseburger Soup. It's a lot of prep work, but it was certainly tasty! We think it should be our new Christmas Eve tradition!

Cheeseburger Soup

Makes 2 and 1/4 quarts

1/2 pound ground beef
3/4 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,( divided, 1 T. and 3 T.)
3 cups chicken broth
1 can creamed corn
4 cups diced peeled potaotes (1-3/4 pounds)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups (8ounes) process cheese (Velveeta)
1-1/2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons pepper
1/4 cup sour cream

Directions

In a 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 min.
Add broth, potatoes, corn and beef; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt remaining butter (3 T.).
Add flour; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly.
Add to soup; bring to a boil.
Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
Reduce heat to low.
Add cheese, milk, salt, and pepper; cook and stir until cheese melts.
Remove form heat.
Blend in sour cream.