Step 1

Heat olive oil in a dutch oven or stock pot over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add onions, carrots, green pepper, celery sticks, and garlic; cook for 3 minutes, occasionally stirring.

Step 3

Add beef; season with basil, paprika, oregano, salt, and fresh ground pepper.

Step 4

Continue to cook for 5 minutes, or until browned. Don’t break up the ground meat too much; the chunkier texture of the ground beef in the soup will add more to that taste and texture of a cheeseburger.

Step 5

Stir in tomato paste.

Step 6

Add cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese; stir until cheese is completely melted.

Step 7

Stir in the broth and milk; bring mixture to a boil.

Step 8

Reduce heat and simmer for 5 more minutes.

Step 9

Remove from heat. Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly.

Step 10

Sprinkle with freshly shredded cheese.

Step 11

Garnish with parsley and serve.