Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Prepare the Vegetables
Peel and dice the potatoes, slice the carrots, and dice the celery and onion. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
Assemble the Crock Pot
Add the ground beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to your crock pot.
Pour in the beef broth, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Thicken the Soup
About 30 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth.
Pour the mixture into the crock pot, stirring well to combine. Let the soup continue to cook for another 30 minutes to thicken.
Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.