I have had many bland stews in my lifetime.  If you follow my recipe you will have plenty of flavor.  Flavor is why I lightly sauté' my veggies first.  It pulls out the flavor but leaves it intact.  I also brown the stew meat to add flavor.  Then make the gravy from the meat drippings with a quality beef broth.  You could add a couple bay leaves or some fresh rosemary if you would like though.