Berbere-Spiced Beef Stew with Potatoes

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

A deeply flavorful stew where tender beef simmers in a rich berbere-spiced tomato base with hearty potatoes, ideal for chilly evenings. This ethiopian-inspired african ready in about 120 minutes pairs Beef chuck, Potatoes, Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 100 min Serves 6 Ethiopian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs diced beef chuck and cook until browned on all sides, about 6 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened, then return the beef to the pot.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, 2 cups vegetable broth, 2 cups cubed potatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 1 hour 30 minutes until beef is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Berbere-Spiced Beef Stew with Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (20 min prep + 100 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 Stew with Potatoes?

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 Stew with Potatoes?

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 Stew with Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Stew with Potatoes?

Ethiopian african 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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