My Man's Favorite Soup (Stroganoff Soup)

Combine ground beef and garlic in a large pot over medium heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease. Transfer beef to a bowl; do not wash the pot.

Combine onion, butter, salt, and pepper in the same pot. Simmer until onion is almost translucent, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms; simmer until mushrooms are soft and onion is completely translucent, about 3 minutes more.

Return cooked beef to the pot. Add bouillon cubes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Stir until combined, about 1 minute. Add water and bring to a boil. Continue boiling, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.

Whisk 1/2 cup milk and 1/4 cup flour in a bowl until all lumps dissolve. Add mixture to soup and stir until completely blended, about 1 minute. Repeat this process 3 more times withe remaining milk and flour. Bring soup back to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 15 minutes.

Remove soup from heat and let stand 10 minutes before serving. Stir the pot, ladle about 2 cups into an individual serving bowl, top with 1/4 cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese, and 2 tablespoons sour cream.