🍔 Cheeseburger Soup with a Christmas Twist 🎄

Warm up with a bowl of this cozy Cheeseburger Soup, perfect for the chilly holiday season. This creamy, hearty dish is like your favorite burger in a comforting soup form, making it a wonderful addition to a Christmas gathering. With tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a smooth cheese blend, each spoonful brings a bit of festive joy to the table.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~480 per serving

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ¾ cup chopped onion
• ¾ cup shredded carrots
• ¾ cup diced celery
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
• 4 tbsp butter, divided
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed (or 2 cups shredded cheddar)
• 1½ cups milk
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¼-½ tsp pepper
• ¼ cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:
   In a 3-quart saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Veggies:
   In the same saucepan, melt 1 tbsp of butter. Sauté the onion, carrots, parsley flakes, basil, and celery until tender, filling your kitchen with holiday aromas.
3. Add Broth & Potatoes:
   Add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, and cooked beef to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
4. Thicken the Soup:
   In a separate small skillet, melt the remaining 3 tbsp butter. Stir in the flour, cooking for 3-5 minutes until bubbly. Add this mixture to the soup, bring to a boil, and cook for 2 minutes while stirring. Reduce heat to low.
5. Add Cheese & Finish:
   Stir in the cheese, milk, salt, and pepper, and cook until the cheese melts. Remove from heat and gently blend in the sour cream for extra richness.

Serve this festive Cheeseburger Soup hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for that Christmas touch. It’s a surefire way to bring warmth and joy to the holiday table!