Ethiopian-Spiced Minced Beef Kitfo with Mitmita Butter

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

Freshly minced lean beef seasoned with Ethiopian mitmita spice and mixed with spiced clarified butter for a tender, flavorful steak tartare. This Ethiopian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, pairs extra lean ground beef, mitmita spice blend, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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 Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb extra lean ground beef with 2 tsp mitmita spice blend, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently to blend spices evenly without overworking the meat.
  2. Step 2: Melt 3 tbsp niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter) in a small pan over low heat until warm but not hot.
  3. Step 3: Pour the warmed niter kibbeh over the seasoned beef and fold gently to incorporate, coating the beef in the spiced butter.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp freshly chopped Ethiopian or regular basil leaves for a fresh herbal note.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with injera or flatbread, or cover and chill for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 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-Spiced Minced Beef Kitfo with Mitmita 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-Spiced Minced Beef Kitfo with Mitmita 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-Spiced Minced Beef Kitfo with Mitmita 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-Spiced Minced Beef Kitfo with Mitmita 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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