hearty hamburger soup

By momofsixplus1

Ingredients

• 2 large onions, diced
• 1 small red or green pepper, diced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey, sauteed and drained
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced and sauteed
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 46 ox can low-sodium tomato or V-8 juice
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon each paprika, cumin, and pepper
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 or 2 cans pinto or kidney beans, drained
• salt to taste
• 1 cup grated cheddar or parmesan or velveeta chunks

Preparation

Step 1

in a large pot, saute onion, bell pepper and garlic in oil, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent. add the rest of the ingredients except for the salt and cheese. bring soup to a boil, then lower heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for 1 hour. taste for seasoning and serve hot, garnished with cheese.