Roast Beef (A Slow Cooker Recipe)

Christmas is coming!  One of my favorite things is the original How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss.  Part of the Whos' celebration in Whoville was a feast with "roast beast."  Something about the phrase "roast beast" tickles me, so for years, whenever I have roast beef, I call it "roast beast."  So, for all those Cindy Lou Whos out there, here's my really easy, no-brainer, delicious, slow cooker roast beast - er, beef.

No gravy this time!

Roast Beef 

3-4 lb beef roast
1 16-oz can diced tomatoes
minced garlic to taste (I use a heaping soup spoon)
1 bay leaf

Place the roast in a 3 1/2-quart slow cooker.  Pour the undrained tomatoes over the roast.  Add the minced garlic and distribute it evenly over the meat.  Place the bay leaf to the side of the meat.  Cook on low for 8-10 hours.  Turn off the slow cooker and let sit for 30 minutes before removing the roast and slicing it.  Discard the bay leaf.

If desired, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of flour to the liquid, mix well, bring it to a simmer and cook 5-10 minutes.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

This recipe is great for cheaper, tougher, less marbled roasts.