✔ 1 lb ground beef (or cubed beef stew meat)
✔ 1 small onion, finely chopped
✔ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 2 tbsp unsalted butter
✔ 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
✔ 2 cups beef broth
✔ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
✔ 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
✔ ½ tsp salt
✔ ½ tsp black pepper
✔ ½ tsp paprika (optional)
✔ ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
✔ 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
✔ ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
✔ 4 tbsp unsalted butter
✔ ½ tsp garlic powder
✔ ½ tsp salt
✔ ¼ tsp black pepper