Place the flour, salt, pepper, and thyme in a medium-sized mixing bowl or gallon-sized plastic bag and mix or shake to blend.

Add the beef cubes, working in batches, and shake or stir to coat.

You can set the coated pieces on a cookie sheet as you continue coating all the beef cubes.

In a large stockpot, heat the oil and add the beef cubes; brown on all sides.

(You may need to add a bit more oil, especially if you brown the beef in batches.

) Next, add all remaining ingredients, except for the peas, and simmer, covered, for about 1½-2 hours.

Add the peas and continue to simmer the stew until peas are done, about 10-15 minutes more.