One-Pan Beef Stew with Mash

Name: One-Pan Beef Stew with Mash
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.2 lbs lean beef (cubed); 2 large onions (chopped); 4 large carrots (diced); 5 garlic cloves (minced); 4 cups vegetable broth (1 stock cube + water); 1 can (14 oz crushed tomatoes); 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried); 2 bay leaves (optional); 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin); 2.2 lbs potatoes (peeled and cubed); 7 tbsp butter ((just under 1 stick/3.5 oz )); 3.5 tbsp milk; Salt to taste