I was on the hunt for the perfect hearty comfort dish for the snowy weather we've been having. I snatched and tweaked recipes from Taste of Home and Chocolate Covered Buttons. It is definitely not the easiest soup to make, but trust me -- the taste is totally worth it.
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
3/4 c. onion, chopped
3/4 c. carrot, grated
3/4 c. celery, sliced
5 small - medium russet potatoes, cubed
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c. 2% milk
4 c. chicken or beef broth
4 tbsp. butter or margarine
1 1/2 c. sharp cheddar cheese
1 c. tomato (~ 2 tomatoes), diced
1 c. romaine lettuce, chopped
6 hamburger buns, coarsely cubed
1 tsp. dried parsley
salt
pepper
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees for the hamburger bun croutons (YUM). In a large sauce pot, brown beef over medium heat; drain any excess grease and set aside in a medium bowl.
Ready all vegetables -- dice, grate, slice, cube!
To the same sauce pot for the browned beef, add the onion, celery, carrots, parsley, and one tablespoon of butter/margarine. Saute over medium heat until ingredients are softened--about 10 minutes.
Add the broth, beef, potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for approximately 12 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Meanwhile, cube the hamburger buns; place pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake for 8 minutes, or until golden brown.
The soup is simmering, the hamburger bun croutons are baking, and your kitchen smells pretty fantastic, right? Mmm.
Melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until lightly bubbly.
Add the butter-flour mixture to the soup; bring to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce to low heat.
Don't forget to check on the croutons!
Coarsely chop tomatoes and lettuce; grate the cheese.
Stir in the milk, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook until cheese melts.
Top with hamburger bun croutons, and enjoy!
Eat your heart out.
