Hearty Cheeseburger Soup

Whether you are entertaining for a football game, serving a crowd of teenagers or just have a hankering for a cheeseburger, this Cheeseburger Soup is perfectly pleasing! This easy satisfying soup is made with ground beef, cheddar cheese, onions, garlic, tomatoes, a bit of mustard, plus a hint of pickles, because what cheeseburger is complete without pickles? Just be sure to make plenty because this cheesy bowl of goodness will have everyone going back for seconds!

INGREDIENTS:
2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoon butter
2 cups diced onion
4 garlic cloves, grated/minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup all-purpose flour*
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 cup pickle juice
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
24 ounces beef broth
14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup half and half
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
optional garnish: shredded cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, diced pickles

DIRECTIONS:
In a large stockpot over medium heat, add ground beef. Break apart beef and cook until browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer ground beef to a bowl or plate; cover and set aside.

Add butter to pan. Once butter has melted, add the diced onion; cook stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, salt and pepper; continue to cook stirring constantly for 1 minute.

Sprinkle flour over and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Mixture will be dry and flour may become slightly browned.

Stir in parsley, pickle juice, mustard, beef broth, diced tomatoes and browned hamburger; stir to combine well. Bring to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Lower heat, add half and half and shredded cheese; stir until melted. Continue cooking on low heat for another 10 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Source: shewearsmanyhats.com