01 -
In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set the cooked beef aside.
02 -
In the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, dried basil, and dried parsley. Sauté until the vegetables become tender, about 10 minutes.
03 -
Add the cubed potatoes, cooked beef, and chicken broth to the saucepan. Raise heat to bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 10–12 minutes.
04 -
While the soup simmers, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring continuously, until bubbly and pale golden, about 3–5 minutes.
05 -
Add the roux to the simmering soup mixture. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
06 -
Reduce heat to low. Gently stir in the cubed processed cheese until fully melted. Add the milk, sour cream, salt, and black pepper. Heat through without boiling.
07 -
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot.