01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until well browned, breaking it into small pieces during cooking. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add unsalted butter to the pot. Stir in diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux.
05 - Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add peeled and diced potatoes, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried mustard powder.
06 - Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
07 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in whole milk, heavy cream, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Warm the mixture until just steaming, without bringing to a boil.
08 - Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and the soup develops a creamy texture.
09 - Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
10 - Ladle the soup hot into bowls. Garnish each portion with crumbled bacon, extra cheddar, green onions, sour cream, and dill pickles as desired.