1 onion, chopped
2 carrot, (7-1/2")s carrots, shredded
1 stalk celery, diced
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons dried parsley
4 tablespoons margarine
3 cups chicken broth
3 cups hash brown potatoes
¼ cup all-purpose flour
8 ounces processed cheese food
1 ½ cups milk
salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup sour cream
In a 3-quart 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 5 minutes. Add broth, potatoes and beef and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 - 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Meanwhile, in a small skillet melt remaining butter. Add flour and cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly. Add to soup. Cook and stir soup for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add cheese, milk, salt and pepper and cook and stir until cheese melts. Remove from the heat. Add sour cream. Stir well. Serve immediately.