Cheeseburger Soup: Revisited

Cheeseburger Soup: Revisited

Serves 6-8.

I made this a while back, but at the time, felt it was lacking something. Well, I've figured it out and now I think it's fantastic! Bacon, bacon, bacon!
Here's the original recipe, but look below for the new and updated version.

1/2 lb. ground beef
3/4 c. chopped onion
1 t. dried basil
1 t. dried parsley
3 T. butter
3 c. chicken broth
4 c. peeled, cubed potatoes
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 c. shredded (or cubed) cheddar cheese
1-1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. sour cream
7 strips bacon, chopped

In a large pot, cook bacon over medium-high heat until just beginning to crisp. Remove bacon from pot, but leave bacon drippings. Add ground beef and onion to pot and cook until beef is cooked through and onions are tender and fragrant. Stir in basil and parsley. Add broth and potatoes. Bring to boil, and then simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.

Melt the butter in a separate bowl and stir in flour. Add the milk, stirring until smooth.

Gradually add milk mixture to soup pot, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in cheese and bacon. When cheese is melted, stir in sour cream. Heat through, but do not boil