Easy Slow Cooker Roast Beef

Tested appliance: Morphy Richards Sear &amp; Stew 3.5-litre slow cooker, using a 1.5 kg topside joint.
Expected texture: Tender beef that holds together for slicing.
US beef cut: Top round is the closest commonly used equivalent to UK topside. Cuts and trimming can vary.
Doneness: For readers following USDA guidance, beef roasts should reach at least 63°C/145°F before removal from the heat , followed by a minimum three-minute rest.
Gravy granules: Brands differ in saltiness and thickening strength, so add gradually. US powdered gravy mixes may need preparing differently; follow the packet instructions.

Place the chopped onion, carrot and thyme sprigs into the slow cooker basin.
1 Onion, 1 Carrot, 2 Thyme Sprigs
Sprinkle over the plain flour and give it a mix.
2 tbsp Plain Flour (All-purpose flour)
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan and sear the beef joint on all sides before placing it in the slow cooker basin on top of the vegetables.
1 tbsp Olive Oil, 1.5 kg Topside of Beef (Top round roast)
Mix together the beef stock, wine, tomato ketchup and salt and pepper in a jug and pour it over the beef. Don't worry if the liquid doesn't quite fully cover the joint. Cook on low for 5-8 hours (if you like your beef rare 5 hours, well done 8 hours) or high for 3-6 hours.
500 ml Beef Stock (Beef broth), 150 ml Red Wine, 2 tbsp Tomato Ketchup, Salt and Pepper

Cooking range: 5–8 hours on LOW or 3–6 hours on HIGH. Timing varies by appliance and joint; check doneness rather than relying on time alone.

Lift the beef joint out of the slow cooker onto a plate and cover with foil for up to 30 minutes whilst you finish the gravy.
Strain the gravy through a sieve on top of a saucepan (which will catch the carrot, onion and thyme sprigs). Place the saucepan on a medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes. If you like your gravy thick, whisk in the beef gravy granules, or make a cornflour slurry to whisk in ( 1:1 ratio of cornstarch to gravy works best).
2 tbsp Beef Gravy Granules
Slice the beef and serve with the red wine gravy.