Beef and Guinness Stew

3/4 cup all purpose flour
2 1/2 pounds beef, cut in cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 to 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 to 3 carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 large yellow onions, quartered
1 to 2 sprigs thyme
2 cups Guinness stout or other very dark, hearty beer
1 teaspoon salt chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
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(I also added fresh rosemary and garlic powder)
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Place the flour in a resealable plastic bag. Add the beef to the bag several pieced at a time, and shake to coat completely. Heat a large saute pan over meduim-high heat and add the oil. In batches if necessary, add the beef and cook, turning until browned on all sides. Place the beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and thyme in the slow cooker and pour the beer over the top. Cover and cook and low for 8 hours, or until the meat is very tender. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and discard the thyme.