One-Pan Beef and Potatoes

Preheat and prep

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan / 400°F). Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper — this helps you get a good sear.

Sear the beef

Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side without moving it, until deep brown on all sides. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan. Remove the beef and set aside.

Build the base

In the same pan over medium heat, add the onion and carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and picks up a little colour. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan — that's pure flavour.

Add remaining ingredients

Return the seared beef to the pan. Add the potatoes, dried thyme, and beef stock. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.

Bake until tender

Cover the pan tightly with a lid or foil and transfer to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through when pierced with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.