cheeseburger soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 - large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced sweet red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup julienne sliced carrots
• 4 cups medium yellow or red potatoes, peeled or cubed
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil
• 1 quart chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 cups half-and-half or milk
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or cut in cubes
• - salt and pepper, to taste