Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 Tablespoon sunflower oil
1 large onion, cut into wedges
3 lb boneless top round or rump roast
3 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
3 medium white potatoes, cubed
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 envelopes (1.4 ounces each) onion soup mix
1 Tablespoon cornstarch

Heat the butter and sunflower oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and beef. Brown the beef on all sides. Transfer the beef and onion to a slow cooker.

Arrange the carrots, potatoes and bay leaves around the beef. Sprinkle with salt. In a heatproof bowlor measuring cup, combine the soup mix with 3 cups boiling water, stirring until smooth.

Pour the soup mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high until the meat is very tender, about 3 1/2 hours.

In a medium saucepan, combine the cornstarch and about 1 teaspoon water; stir to for a paste. Add 2 cups hot liquid from the slow cooker and bring to a boil, stirring until the gravy has thickened. Slice the beef and serve with vegetables and gravy.


Mix 'n' Match

You can replace the onion soup mix with an herb soup or mushroom soup mix for a different flavor.