Coffee Beef Pot Roast

Prep : 15 minutes   Cook : 8 hours     Makes 6 servings

1             boneless beef sirloin tip roast (2-1/2 pounds) cut in half
2             teaspoons canola oil
1-1/2       cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/3          cup sliced green onions
2             garlic cloves , minced
1-1/2       cups brewed coffee
1              teaspoon Liquid Smoke ***optional
1/2           teaspoon salt
1/2           teaspoon chili powder
1/4           teaspoon pepper
1/4           cup cornstarch
1/3           cup cold water

1 .    In a large nonstick skillet , brown roast  on all sides  in oil  over medium-high heat . Place in a 5-quart  slow cooker  . In the same skillet  , saute mushrooms , onions and garlic until tender  ; stir in the coffee , Liquid Smoke  if desired  , salt  , chili powder and pepper . Pour over  roast . Cover and cook  on on low for 8 hours or until meat is tender .
2 .    Remove  roast  and keep warm  . Pour cooking juices  into a 2-cup measuring cup  ; skim fat . In a saucepan , combine cornstarch  and water until smooth . Gradually stir  in 2 cups  cooking juices  . Bring to a boil ; cook and stir  for 2 minutes or until thickened . Serve with sliced beef .

Day-old coffee  is the key  to this flavorful beef roast  thet simmers in the slow cooker  until it's fall-apart  tender . Try it once and I'm sure  you'll cook it again .