Ingredients

    1 lb ground turkey (could use other ground meat)
    ½ lb ground turkey sausage (could use other ground sausages)
    6 tablespoons butter, divided
    1 cup diced onions
    1 cup diced carrots
    1 cup diced celery
    3 cups russet potatoes peeled and diced into small cubes
    3 cups chicken broth
    1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
    1 teaspoon garlic powder
    5 Tablespoons flour
    1 cup whole milk, warmed
    1 cup heavy cream, warmed
    3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (can use a mixture of cheeses if desired. I like smoked cheddar and sharp cheddar)
    Toppings: shredded cheese, fresh parsley, chopped bacon, dice tomatoes, cheese, pickles, buttered croutons.

Instructions

1.     In a large deep skillet brown ground turkey and ground sausage. Drain and set aside.
2.     In the same deep skillet at 2 tablespoons of butter and diced carrot, onions and celery.
3.     Sauté until tender over medium heat.
4.     Stir in cubed potatoes, chicken broth, italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
5.     Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer just until potatoes are tender (but not to soft).
6.     Remove from heat and set aside.
7.     In a large soup pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
8.     Whisk in flour a little at a time stirring constantly over medium heat.
9.     Cook for 1-2 minutes.
10.     Stir in warm milk and warm heavy cream.
11.     Stir in cheeses until mixture is smooth and creamy. Do not bring to a boil or simmer.
12.     Pour meat & vegetable mixture into the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
13.     Taste and add in additional salt, black pepper, garlic powder or Italian seasoning if needed.
14.     Laddle soup into bowls and top with desired toppings.
15.     Serve hot!