Brown the Ground Beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to the crockpot.
Prepare the Vegetables: Add diced onions, minced garlic, and diced potatoes to the crockpot. Pour in beef broth and water.
Season the Soup: Add thyme, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Add the Cream and Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. If desired, thicken the soup with a flour slurry.
Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve with crusty bread or a side salad.