| 2 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil | |
| 2 1/2 to 3 lb beef chuck roast | |
| 1 large yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices | |
| 1 teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste | |
| 1/2 teaspoon black pepper | |
| 1 teaspoon dried thyme | |
| 6-7 garlic cloves, minced | |
| 24 ounces baby yellow potatoes, halved if larger | |
| 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 2-3 inch pieces | |
| 2 cups low-sodium beef broth | |
| 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for gravy) | |
| 3 tablespoons water (optional, for gravy) |