Hot Beef

When you’re craving something hearty and comforting, this take on the old-fashioned open-faced hot beef sandwich slathered with gravy will make you smile. The Whole30 version substitutes garlic mashed potatoes for the toasted bread. Serve it with some steamed broccoli tossed with a little melted ghee. All will feel right with the world, we promise.

Serves 6

Prep: 35 minutes

Slow Cook: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)

Total: 8 hours 40 minutes

1 beef arm roast (2½ to 3 pounds)

6 cloves garlic, peeled

½ teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks

1 package (8 ounces) button mushrooms, halved

1 medium yellow onion, sliced

2 tablespoons tapioca flour

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons Clarified Butter (page 296) or ghee

Cut three slits each into the top and bottom of the roast. Insert a gar-lic clove into each slit. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle on both sides of roast. Place the roast in a 6-quart slow cooker with ¼ cup water. Add the potatoes, mushrooms, and onion.

Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Transfer the beef to a cutting board or platter. Cover and keep warm. Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl.

Turn the slow cooker to high if using the low setting. In a small bowl, stir together the tapioca flour and 2 tablespoons water. Pour into the slow cooker. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, sprinkle the potatoes with the garlic powder; add the butter. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency.

Serve the roast over the mashed potatoes, with gravy ladled over the top.