Based on the recipe description and the typical actions required to prepare and cook a beef stew, here is an educated assessment of the difficulty, prep time, and cooking time:

– **Difficulty**: The recipe involves basic cooking techniques such as browning meat, sautéing vegetables, and simmering, which are manageable for someone with some cooking experience. However, the recipe requires attention to detail in terms of managing the timing and sequence of events. Thus, I would categorize it as **moderate**.
– **Prep Time**: The preparation involves chopping vegetables, cutting meat, and setting up ingredients, which might take about 15 to 20 minutes.
– **Cooking Time**: The beef stew needs to simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours as per the instructions in the recipe.

With this in mind, here is how the updated HTML table should look:

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This table accurately represents the difficulty, prep time, and cooking time based on the complexity and duration mentioned in your beef stew recipe.

**Blog-Style Recipe: Cozy and Comforting Beef Stew**

Ah, the humble beef stew; a dish that warms both body and soul. This recipe has been a cherished tradition in my family for generations, passed down from my grandmother who used to make it during cold winter nights to bring us all together around the dinner table. The aromas wafting from the pot as the beef simmered with vegetables and herbs always filled the house with a sense of comfort and nostalgia. This dish reminds me of simpler times, where the act of sharing a hearty meal with loved ones was the ultimate form of care and connection.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chuck roast, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper and brown them in batches until seared on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste, stirring for another minute.

3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for a couple of minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.

4. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the beef back to the pot along with the potatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

5. Cover and let the stew simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

6. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can create a slurry with a bit of flour and water, then add it to the pot and stir until the stew thickens slightly.

7. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• For a heartier stew, you can add additional vegetables like peas, green beans, or mushrooms.
• Enhance the flavor profile by adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce.
• Consider serving the beef stew over mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a delicious twist.
• Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal on busy days.

May this beef stew recipe warm your heart and bring you the same sense of joy and togetherness it has brought me over the years. Enjoy the comforting flavors and share it with your loved ones for a truly special dining experience!