Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Name: Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided); 4 pounds beef brisket (or round roast, or any slow cooking beef of your choice, trimmed of fat); 1 onion (finely chopped); 4 cloves garlic (finely copped or minced); 28 ounce tomatoes (crushed or diced, 2 cans); 1/2 cup red wine (or beef broth / stock); 1/2 cup beef broth (stock); 4 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 beef bouillon cube; 1 teaspoon basil; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1-2 teaspoons salt (adjust to your tastes); 1 pinch cracked pepper (to taste); 1-2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to your tastes); 2 bay leaves; 2 teaspoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water - optional for a thick sauce)