Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Ingredients (serves 4) prep time is 25 mins. cooking time is 3 1/2 hours

2tbsp. unsalted butter
1tbsp. sunflower oil
1 Large onion, cut into wdges
3lb. boneless top round or rump roast
3 medium white potatoes, cubed
2bay leaves
1/2 tsp. salt
2envelopes (1.4 oz. each) onion soup mix
1tbsp. cornstarch

1. 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 sloe cooker.

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

3. 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.

4. In a medium saucepan, combine the cornstarch and about 1tsp. water; stir to form a paste. Add 2cups 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.