Cheeseburger Soup

I was going to post picnic foods this week but here in the north east we are getting more cool weather again so I thought I would share this soup that I made yesterday. Maybe it will warm you up a bit.
The original recipe came from a Taste of Home magazine quite a  few years ago and it quickly became a family favorite. To thicken the soup you made a rue from butter and milk but that takes more time and it dirties another pan! :-)
So since I'm all about quick & easy I decided to change the recipe a bit and leave that step out. I also use Kroger's brand Nice n Cheesy Queso Blanco with Jalapenos instead of Velveeta but you can use whatever you want to.

Cheeseburger Soup

2 lbs. ground beef

1 onion, diced

4-6 carrots, shredded

64 oz. chicken broth

1 tbsp. parsley

1 1/2 tsp. basil

1/4 tsp. celery salt

10 medium potatoes, cubed

4 cups water

1/4 - 1/2 of a big block of Velveeta, cubed 

12 oz. evaporated milk

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

Brown beef, onion & carrots, drain.

Add broth, celery salt, basil & parsley.

Add potatoes & water.

Place lid on and tilt it a bit.

Let simmer till potatoes are done.

Add cheese & milk and stir until melted.

Enjoy!

**This is a large recipe that feeds my family of 5 plus a few more so you may want to cut this recipe in half.**