Slow-cooking may require planning and time, but the resulting tender meat is mouth-wateringly good. Preparation Time 10 minutes Cooking Time 505 minutes Ingredients (serves 4) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 medium brown onions, cut into thick wedges 750g piece beef blade roast 2 medium carrots, peeled, halved crossways, quartered lengthways 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard 2 garlic cloves, crushed 6 sprigs fresh thyme 2 cups beef stock 900g sebago potatoes 29g sachet mushroom and garlic sauce 2 teaspoons smoked paprika Method Heat half the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onion. Cook, turning, for 5 minutes or until softened. Transfer to the bowl of a 4.5-litre (18-cup) slow cooker. Add beef to pan. Cook, turning, for 5 to 7 minutes or until browned all over. Place in slow cooker with carrots, mustard, garlic, thyme and stock. Cover. Turn slow cooker to low. Cook for 8 hours or until beef is tender. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced. Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Peel and roughly chop potatoes. Place on prepared tray. Drizzle with remaining oil. Sprinkle with paprika. Toss to coat. Bake potatoes for the last 1 hour of beef cooking time. Transfer beef and vegetables from cooker to a baking dish. Cover with foil to keep warm. Meanwhile, place mushroom sauce sachet with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. Stir mushroom sauce mixture into cooking liquid in slow cooker. Cook, covered, on high, for 10 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly. Strain sauce. Serve sliced beef with vegetables and gravy. From/foodideas