Cooked Ethiopian Kitfo with Spiced Butter and Collard Greens

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

A warm take on the traditional Ethiopian kitfo, featuring ground beef sautéed with fragrant spices and served alongside garlicky gomen (collard greens). This african-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef, niter kibbeh (spiced butter), mitmita spice 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp niter kibbeh in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and fragrant. Add 1 lb ground beef, 1 tsp mitmita spice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked and slightly browned.
  2. Step 2: In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 cups chopped collard greens and 1/4 cup water to the pan with garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the greens are tender but still bright green.
  4. Step 4: Serve the cooked kitfo alongside the garlicky collard greens for a comforting Ethiopian-inspired meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cooked Ethiopian Kitfo with Spiced Butter and Collard Greens take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Cooked Ethiopian Kitfo with Spiced Butter and Collard Greens?

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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cooked Ethiopian Kitfo with Spiced Butter and Collard Greens?

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 Cooked Ethiopian Kitfo with Spiced Butter and Collard Greens 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 Cooked Ethiopian Kitfo with Spiced Butter and Collard Greens?

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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