Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Beef Stew with Cardamom and Berbere

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

A robust beef stew simmered with aromatic cardamom and fiery berbere spices, delivering deep, complex flavors in every bite. This african-inspired beef ready in about 145 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice blend, ground cardamom for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, 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: 25 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 African cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes with 2 tbsp berbere spice blend and 1 tsp ground cardamom, coating evenly and letting rest for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the spiced beef cubes in batches, browning all sides for 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped yellow onion and sauté for 6 minutes until softened and golden.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger root, cooking 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring to deepen flavor.
  6. Step 6: Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in 3 cups beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.
  7. Step 7: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, stirring well. Serve hot with injera or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Beef Stew with Cardamom and Berbere take to make?

Total time is about 145 minutes (25 min prep + 120 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 Spiced Beef Stew with Cardamom and Berbere?

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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Beef Stew with Cardamom and Berbere?

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 Spiced Beef Stew with Cardamom and Berbere for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Spiced Beef Stew with Cardamom and Berbere?

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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