In a large dutch oven, add butter and hash browns and cook on medium for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to mix well and prevent burning.
Add ground beef and onion, and mix into hashbrowns, cook 10-15 minutes, until onions have slightly browned and hashbrowns are a light caramel color.
Add stock and garlic powder and let simmer on low for one hour.
Stir in cream, salt, and pepper into soup and cook for another 10 minutes.
Add to bowls and top with grated cheddar cheese, chives, or cilantro.
Enjoy!
Notes
This can be made in your slow cooker, simply add everything to the slow cooker at step number 3 cook on low for 6 hours, high for 3 hours then continue the instructions.