Here's a dinner that will cook itself to perfection as you go about your holiday errands. It's fine--in fact better--if you make it a day or two ahead, giving the herbs and wine time to meld with the meat and vegetables for rich, complex flavor. To end up with a 2-pound trimmed chuck roast, you should purchase 2 1/2 pounds. Serve over mashed potatoes or polenta.
How to Make It
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high. Add half of beef to skillet; cook, turning to brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Place in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Repeat procedure with remaining beef. Add wine to skillet; scrape to loosen browned bits from bottom of pan. Bring wine to a boil, and cook 1 minute. Add to slow cooker. Stir in tomato paste, salt, pepper, carrots, garlic, celery, frozen onions, and 2 cups beef stock. Add thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Cover and cook on LOW until beef is tender, 7 1/2 to 8 hours.
Whisk together flour and remaining 1/2 cup stock. Add flour mixture and olives to slow cooker. Increase heat to HIGH; cover and cook until bubbly and thickened, about 5 minutes. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Very good