Directions:

Place potatoes, carrots and onion into a 5- quart slow cooker.

In a large skillet, brown beef in butter. Transfer beef to slow cooker with a slotted spoon.

Stir flour into the pan drippings until blended; cook and stir until browned. Gradually add water. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Add salt, parsley, celery seed, thyme and pepper; pour over beef.

Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender.

Add fresh thyme sprigs to each bowl before serving.