Berbere-Spiced Beef Tibs with Sautéed Peppers and Onions
Tender cubes of beef sautéed with Ethiopian berbere spice, onions, and bell peppers for a flavorful, quick stovetop dish. This african-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice blend, large (1 cup) yellow onion, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp berbere spice blend
- 1 large (1 cup) yellow onion, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb cubed beef sirloin and 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, tossing to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Sauté the beef for 4-5 minutes, allowing the edges to brown and develop a crust. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 cup sliced yellow onion, 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced green bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently until vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well and cook together for 3 more minutes until heated through.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Berbere-Spiced Beef Tibs with Sautéed Peppers and Onions take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Sautéed Peppers and Onions?
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 Sautéed Peppers and Onions?
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 Sautéed Peppers and Onions 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 Sautéed Peppers and Onions?
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.
