Step 1: Create the Foundation – The Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Place the peeled, chopped potatoes and smashed garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover with cold water by 2 inches and add a hefty tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain thoroughly in a colander. Return the hot potatoes and garlic to the pot. Using a potato ricer, food mill, or hand masher, mash until smooth. In a small saucepan, gently warm the heavy cream, milk, and butter until the butter is melted. Gradually add the warm dairy mixture to the potatoes, stirring with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until completely incorporated and luxuriously creamy. Stir in the 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese until melted. Season aggressively with kosher salt and white pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites – The Star Protein
Pat the steak cubes completely dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss them with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes. Heat a large cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the oil. Working in batches to avoid steaming, sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.

Step 3: Prepare the Quick Steakhouse Gravy
In the same skillet used for the steak (do not wash it!), melt the 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns a light nutty brown. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Whisk in the Worcestershire and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, whisking frequently, until the gravy thickens to a coating consistency. Season with a generous amount of cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Keep warm on low heat.

Step 4: Prep the Toppings – The Supporting Cast
While the steak rests and gravy simmers, cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble. Shred the cheeses. Thinly slice the chives. Have your sour cream and fried onions ready.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls – The Grand Construction
For each serving bowl, start with a generous, warm base of creamy mashed potatoes (about 1 to 1.5 cups). Create a well in the center if desired. Top with a hearty portion of the seared steak bites. Drizzle with a ladle of warm steakhouse gravy. Immediately sprinkle a handful of the mixed shredded cheeses over the hot steak and gravy so it begins to melt. Follow with a scattering of crumbled bacon and a handful of crispy fried onions.

Step 6: The Finishing Touches
Add a dollop of cool sour cream to the top. Garnish liberally with fresh chives or green onions. For an optional, restaurant-style finish, place each assembled bowl under a preheated broiler for 60-90 seconds to melt and lightly brown the cheese topping (ensure bowls are broiler-safe).

Step 7: Serve Immediately with Optional Customization
Serve the bowls immediately while everything is hot, crispy, and melty. Place any extra toppings, gravy, and sour cream on the table so everyone can customize their second helping to their heart’s content. Provide sturdy spoons to dive through all the delicious layers