Beef Stew Flavorful Crock Pot Meal

Ingredients:
1 pound lean cubed chuck beef at room temp
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)
3 carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery, sliced
1/2 cup roasted bell peppers, chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
3 sprigs fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/4 cup allpurpose flour
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Sprinkle salt and pepper on all sides of the beef cubes. Spread some flour on a small plate and coat all sides of the beef cubes with the flour. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Place oil at the bottom of a large pot over medium heat. Put in a portion of the beef cubes, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef cubes.
3. Combine the browned beef and all the other ingredients, along with the juices from the pot, in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours.