COMBINE flour, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add stew beef and toss to coat. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside. ADD carrots, potatoes, garlic and mushrooms to the pot and cook 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Return beef to pot and add broth, wine, bay leaf and thyme. Add water, if needed, to almost cover meat and vegetables. Bring to a boil. Cover and transfer to preheated oven for 2 œ -3 hours or until beef is tender and falls apart. Remove from oven.
INCREASE oven temperature to 350°F (180°C).
COAT an 8 cup (2 L) casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Fill with beef stew. Remove pie pastry from foil pan and gently place on top of beef stew, pinching the edges all around the dish. Make 3 small slits in top of crust to allow steam to escape. Brush pastry with egg and bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.
