Preheat the oven to 300°F and place the rack at the centre of it.
Heat the vegetable oil in a dutch oven over high heat, then brown the beef for 5 minutes. Try not to move it too much, to get good colours on it. Season generously.
Add the onions and tomato paste, then continue cooking for 2 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients, except for the small potatoes, then season again. Cover then cook for 2 hours. Add the potatoes, and then continue cooking for 1 hour.
Check the seasoning and fix if needed, then serve.