Cheeseburger Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1½ cups milk
• 8 oz processed cheese (e.g., Velveeta)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup bacon bits (optional)
• 2 tbsp diced pickles (optional)
• 2 tbsp green onions (optional)

Steps

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until smooth, then add the diced potatoes.
4. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in the milk, processed cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until all the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
6. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and stir to combine. Heat through for a few minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with optional bacon bits, diced pickles, or green onions.