Berbere-Spiced Beef Tibs with Onions and Peppers

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

Tender cubes of beef sautéed quickly with berbere spice, red onions, and bell peppers for a vibrant Ethiopian-inspired stir-fry. This african-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice blend, medium (1/2 cup) tomato, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp niter kibbeh or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed beef sirloin and sear for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned on all sides but not fully cooked.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup sliced red onion wedges and 1 cup sliced green bell pepper strips; sauté for 3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant and the beef and veggies are well coated.
  5. Step 5: Add 1/2 cup diced tomato, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; cook for another 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and beef is cooked to desired doneness.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh finish.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm with injera or steamed rice to enjoy the spicy, aromatic flavors.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Berbere-Spiced Beef Tibs with Onions and Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Tibs with Onions and Peppers?

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 berbere spice blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Berbere-Spiced Beef Tibs with Onions and Peppers?

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 Tibs with Onions and Peppers 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 Tibs with Onions and Peppers?

African beef 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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