Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being too greasy.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This step helps enhance the depth of flavor in the soup.
Transfer to Crockpot: Move the cooked beef, onions, and garlic into the crockpot. Then, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced celery for a hearty vegetable base.
Add Broth & Seasonings: Pour in the chicken or beef broth, then stir in dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together to distribute the flavors evenly.
Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and let the soup cook: Low setting: 6-8 hours. High setting: 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the potatoes and vegetables to soften and absorb the savory broth.
Add Dairy & Cheese: Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. If you want a thicker consistency, add the cornstarch slurry and stir well.
Final Cooking & Serving: Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the soup to thicken. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra shredded cheese if desired.