Slow Cooker Beef and Polenta

Name: Slow Cooker Beef and Polenta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 45 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: Ingredients; 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 3 carrots, sliced into rounds; 3 celery stalks, chopped; 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with beef broth); 2 cups beef broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening); Polenta; 4 cups whole milk; 1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta); 4 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper