In a large non-stick skillet, over medium/high heat, add the olive oil and let warm up

While the olive oil is heating up, in medium size bowl add flour, and toss the stew meat in the flour - coating the meat

Add coated stew meat to oil, and cook browning meat, for about 5 - 10 minutes - turning to evenly Brown & scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen the cooked meat and coating

In the slow cooker add the cooked stew meat plus the scrapings from the pan

Add the rest of the ingredients

Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for about 6 hours

Remove the bay leaf, and serve