BEEFY BROCCOLI & CHEESE SOUP

2 cups chicken broth
1 pkg (10-oz) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
1/4 to 1/2 lb ground beef
1 cup milk
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
4-oz sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp oregano
salt to taste
freshly ground pepper to taste
hot pepper sauce to taste, optional

Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan; add broccoli and onions. Cook the mixture for 5 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.

While the above cooks, brown the ground beef in a small skillet and drain well. Rinse with hot water to rid of excess fat and drain in a colander.

Gradually stir the flour into the milk in a small bowl until well blended. Slowly stir into the broccoli mixture, add the drained beef and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thickened and bubbly.

Add the shredded cheese, oregano, salt, pepper, and got sauce if using.

Yield: 4 to 5 servings

Note: This is a file photo.