Cheeseburger Soup

A co-worker of mine gave this to me a few years ago. It is pure comfort in a bowl!

Ingredients
1/2 lbs ground beef
3/4 cups onion
3/4 cups carrots
3/4 cups celery
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried parsley flakes
4 Tbsp butter, divided
3 cups chicken broth
4 cups diced and peeled potatoes
1/4 cup flour
8 oz velvetta cheese
1 1/2 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup sour cream (optional, I think it is fine without it)

Brown beef, drain and set aside. In the same saucepan saute veggies, spices in 1 T butter until veggies are tender(about 10 minutes). Add broth, potatoes, and beef and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Meanwhile in another smaller skillet melt remaining 3 T butter. Add flour and cook 3-5 minutes until bubbly. Add to soup, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce to low and add cheese, milk, salt/pepper. Cook and stir until cheese melts. Add sour cream right before serving. Makes 8 servings.