Ethiopian-Inspired Minced Beef Kitfo with Mitmita and Spiced Butter

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

Freshly minced extra-lean beef seasoned with fiery mitmita spice and enriched with Ethiopian spiced clarified butter for a fragrant, tender tartare. This Ethiopian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs extra lean ground beef, mitmita spice blend, niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter) 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: 5 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 lb extra lean ground beef in a large bowl and season with 1 tbsp mitmita spice blend, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Finely dice 1 small red onion and 2 tbsp fresh parsley, then fold into the beef mixture gently to combine without overworking.
  3. Step 3: Melt 3 tbsp niter kibbeh in a small skillet over low heat until just melted and aromatic, about 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Pour the melted spiced butter evenly over the beef mixture and mix gently until the beef is coated and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately at room temperature with injera or flatbread, or chill for 10 minutes for flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian-Inspired Minced Beef Kitfo with Mitmita and Spiced Butter take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Minced Beef Kitfo with Mitmita and Spiced Butter?

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 extra lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian-Inspired Minced Beef Kitfo with Mitmita and Spiced Butter?

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 Ethiopian-Inspired Minced Beef Kitfo with Mitmita and Spiced Butter 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Minced Beef Kitfo with Mitmita and Spiced Butter?

Ethiopian 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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