Mmmm... it's funny how if you give a food a "junk food" name, the kiddos are so much more interested in it.
Try asking them, "Would you like some veggie, cheese and beef soup?"
Them, "Uh no."
Or you can aks, "Would you like some Cheeseburger Soup?"
Them, enthusiastically, "Heck yeah!"
I know cheeseburgers normally do not contain celery and carrots, but I thought this was the perfect base to sneak in some veggie goodies.
Cheeseburger Soup
1 med. onion chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
5 tbsp butter, divided
1 lb grassfed ground beef, browned
3 tbsp gluten free all-purpose flour
2 qts beef stock
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp is the best)
salt to taste
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Saute onions, celery, carrots and garlic until onions are soft. Set aside.
Melt remaining 3 tbsp of butter. When foamy, whisk in 3 tbsp GF flour. Cook flour over medium heat until bubbly and starting to brown. Slowly whisk in stock. Add veggies back in and simmer until carrots are very soft.
Blend soup with a handheld blender or in a regular blender.
Add cheese, stir until melted. Add beef.
A few drops of chili sauce tastes great in this. Top with popcorn for an extra treat.