Pat the beef stew meat dry with a paper towel and season with sea salt and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the beef to the pot and sear until browned on all sides, then remove the beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add the diced carrots, celery, and onion, sautéing for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the cubed potatoes, dried thyme, and the browned beef back into the pot.
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 45-60 minutes or until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot in a deep bowl.