Wine Lover's Beef Stew

Another message board steal that is easy and perfect for a cold winter day. I like to serve it with biscuits :)

1-1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
1-1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 can (14 ounces)whole peeled tomatoes
1-1/2 cups water
1 cube beef bouillon
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup red wine
3 carrots, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
3 potatoes, cubed
1 cup pearl onions

Season the stew meat with some of the salt and pepper and coat with flour. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, Saute the beef and onions in the butter and oil until browned on the outside. Transfer the beef and onions to a stockpot and stir in the tomatoes, water and bouillon cubes. Season with garlic, parsley, thyme and remaining salt and pepper. Stir in the red wine.

Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours before adding carrots, celery potatoes and pearl onions. Continue to simmer until potatoes are tender, about 1 hour.