Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add butter or oil, then the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up, until browned with crispy edges, about 6–8 minutes.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Soften the aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. If using powders instead, skip this and add them directly to the slow cooker.
Drain if needed: If there’s a lot of grease, drain most of it, leaving a little for flavor.
Load the slow cooker: Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Add the cream cheese: Scatter the softened cream cheese cubes on top. Don’t stir aggressively yet; they’ll melt as it cooks.
Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or on High for 2–3 hours.
Stir halfway through if you can to help the cream cheese melt evenly.
Finish creamy: About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Cover and let it melt into a smooth, velvety soup. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve and top: Ladle into bowls and finish with your favorite toppings.
A squeeze of lime and a handful of cilantro brighten everything up.