Hearty and comforting American Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf