Season the beef with salt and pepper. Be generous on the salt.Heat a small amount of oil over high heat in a 5-quart dutch oven or heavy pot. Add the meat and cook until browned, rotating once, about 8-10 minutes.
Add the flour and stir for about 30 seconds.Add broth, wine, water, molasses, half the cranberries, and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Return beef to the pot, and cover.
Transfer to a preheated 350° oven and bake for 3 hours.After 3 hours, remove the pot and stir in onions. Cover it again and return it to the oven. Cook another 30 minutes.