Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Prepare the Crockpot: Transfer the beef mixture to a crockpot. Add potatoes, carrots, and celery.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in broth and add thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes and veggies are tender.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and milk. For thicker soup, add the cornstarch mixture. Cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes until creamy.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley and extra cheddar cheese. Enjoy with crusty bread!