Swiss Steak with Rice

2 pounds round steak cut 2 inches thick 6 onions
1 cup flour 1/4 cup fat
1 bay leaf 1 cup water
2 teaspoons salt 1 1/4 cups cooked rice
Dash of pepper 1 cup stale warm beer
2 cups cooked string beans  

Pound the meat thoroughly.  Rub the flour and the seasonings into the meat well on both sides.  Brown the sliced onions in the same pan.  Cover the meat with the onions and the water.  Bake in a slow oven for 2 hours.  Cover with rice, pour beer over all.  Cover and bake until meat is tender and flavor well developed.  Serve on a large platter with string beans.