Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Season it with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to break up any clumps as it cooks. Once browned, transfer the beef to a bowl, leaving the drippings in the pot.
In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Reduce the heat to medium-high. Toss in the mirepoix, seasoning with 3/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Sauté the mixture for about 7 to 8 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. This is where your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!
Add the minced garlic, parsley, basil, and optional ground mustard into the pot. Stir and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni, cooking it for 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Remember, it will continue to cook in the soup.
While the pasta is cooking, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a separate medium pot over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute until it forms a roux. You want it to be a pale golden color and smell nutty.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring often until the mixture thickens nicely, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, creamy consistency.
Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and whisk in the heavy cream and sour cream until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This is where the soup gets its luxurious creaminess!
Pour the creamy mixture back into the pot with the pasta and beef. Stir everything together until well mixed. Allow it to cook on low heat until slightly thickened, which should take about 5 minutes.
Next, gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until melted and incorporated. This is the moment when your soup transforms into a cheesy delight!
Finally, taste your soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, you can stir in a little more broth to reach your desired consistency. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm with some crusty buttered bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy every comforting bite!
