Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute.
Return the browned beef to the pot, and pour in the beef broth.
Add carrots, potatoes, celery, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
Remove the bay leaf and add the egg noodles to the stew. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.