1 tablespoon canola oil
1 (3 pound) boneless beef chuck roast
4 carrots, sliced
4 medium all-purpose potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large onion, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
1 envelope onion soup mix
3/4 cup water

Heat oil in a large skillet; place roast in hot oil and brown on all sides. Arrange prepared vegetables in bottom of a 5-quart slow cooker. Cut the browned roast in half and place on top of vegetables.

In a small bowl, combine the onion soup mix and water; pour over the roast. Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 4 to 6 hours. Remove the roast and vegetables; keep warm.

To thicken the gravy, combine 1/4 cup of water and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; stir into juices in slow cooker. Cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes on High or until thickened. Makes 8 servings.