Berbere-Spiced Beef and Tomato Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply flavorful beef stew simmered with tomatoes, onions, and a signature berbere spice blend for a satisfying meal. This ethiopian-inspired street food ready in about 100 minutes pairs beef chuck, tomatoes, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 75 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.2 lbs cubed beef chuck and sear for 4 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 1.5 tbsp tomato paste and 2.5 tbsp berbere spice blend, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return beef to the pot, add 2 cups beef broth, 2 diced tomatoes, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1 hour and 15 minutes until beef is fork-tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley and cook uncovered for 5 minutes. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Berbere-Spiced Beef and Tomato Stew take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (25 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Berbere-Spiced Beef and Tomato Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef chuck from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Berbere-Spiced Beef and Tomato Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Berbere-Spiced Beef and Tomato Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Berbere-Spiced Beef and Tomato Stew?

Ethiopian street food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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