Berbere-Spiced Braised Beef with Injera Flatbread
Tender beef simmered in a rich, spicy berbere sauce served alongside traditional Ethiopian injera flatbread. This african-inspired beef ready in about 150 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, berbere spice mix, medium yellow onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp berbere spice mix
- 2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 pieces injera flatbread
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 2 chopped yellow onions and sauté for 7 minutes until soft and translucent with golden edges.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 3 tbsp berbere spice mix and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring constantly to toast the spices and deepen flavors.
- Step 4: Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 5: Pour in 2 cups water, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 2 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Serve the spicy braised beef hot with 4 pieces of traditional injera flatbread to scoop up the stew.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Berbere-Spiced Braised Beef with Injera Flatbread take to make?
Total time is about 150 minutes (20 min prep + 130 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 Braised Beef with Injera Flatbread?
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 mix from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Berbere-Spiced Braised Beef with Injera Flatbread?
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 Braised Beef with Injera Flatbread 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 Braised Beef with Injera Flatbread?
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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