my all-time comfort food — Les Petites Gourmettes

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 to 3-pound beef chuck roast
• Olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 /2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large onions, peeled and sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 bottle of beer
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch