Virtual Sefer Renna's Crockpot Pot Roast

I first coated my roast with flour, then braised it in very hot olive oil (any oil will do), getting it brown and crispy on all sides.
I put it in the crockpot, along with a beef buillion cube and 2 cups of water. One cup of water would have been sufficient, but I was wanting plenty of gravy. I also stirred a package of dried onion soup mix into the liquid.
I tossed a few garlic cloves in there because I love to eat them whole (after cooked).
I cooked it a few hours until it was tender, then added my quartered, peeled, potatoes and whole, peeled, carrots.
When the veggies were done, I ladled everything out into a large dish, then 'whisked' two cans of cream of mushroom soup into the broth, then turned the crockpot on high for about 10 minutes.
Everyone loved it and it was delicious. However, I have also made it with only one cup of water, and no garlic, and ommitted the mushroom soup. I did the soup to make the broth into a gravy, but if you're just wanting a "broth", omit the soup step. I have even done it without the buillion cube, which really wasn't necessary since I used the dried onion soup mix. I just tossed it in there since I was adding extra water this time. I do think the dried onion soup mix does alot to add flavor to this dish. I normally also add one or two quartered onions to the pot when adding the veggies, but I happened to be out of onion.
I have also made it without bothering to braise the roast first (skipped flouring and braising step), and just put the meat directly into the cup of water in the pot. It still turns out good.

Renna