1-First Step: Prepare the ingredients Set out the beef chuck, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, beef broth, olive oil, salt, and pepper before you start. Cube the beef if it is not already cut. Slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. This prep stage takes part of the 30 minutes total prep time and keeps the cooking process smooth.

2-Second Step: Heat the Dutch oven Place the Dutch Oven on the stove and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. If you use a cast iron dutch oven, let it warm evenly before adding food. Preheating the pot helps the beef brown more evenly and supports better flavor. A tight-fitting lid is important later because it holds in moisture during the simmer.

3-Third Step: Brown the beef Add the cubed beef chuck to the hot oil. Brown the beef for 5 minutes, turning the pieces so each side gets color. This step builds the base flavor for the stew. Do not crowd the pot too much, or the meat will steam instead of brown. If needed, brown in two batches for better results.

4-Fourth Step: Add the onion and garlic Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic after the beef has browned. Cook for 2 minutes. The onion should soften slightly, and the garlic should become fragrant. Keep the heat at medium so the garlic does not burn. This is the point where the stew starts to smell rich and savory.

5-Fifth Step: Add carrots, potatoes, and broth Stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and 4 cups of beef broth. Mix well so the vegetables are coated in the cooking liquid. The broth should cover most of the ingredients. If your Dutch Oven is smaller than expected, stir carefully so nothing spills over the sides.

6-Sixth Step: Bring to a boil, then simmer Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat right away. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 hour until the beef and vegetables are tender. This slow cook time is what makes Dutch oven recipes so useful. The heat stays steady, so the stew cooks evenly without constant checking.

7-Seventh Step: Check texture and seasoning After 1 hour, check the beef for tenderness with a fork. The potatoes should be soft, and the carrots should be cooked through. Taste the broth and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. The recipe includes 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, but different broths may need small changes.

8-Eighth Step: Serve the stew Let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the broth settle and makes the dish easier to portion. Serve it hot in deep bowls with bread, biscuits, or a side salad. The total cook time is 1 hour 30 minutes, and the total time for the recipe is 2 hours.