Ground Beef Zigni Wat with Berbere and Tomato

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

A spicy Eritrean-inspired ground beef stew simmered in a fragrant berbere and tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner. This african-inspired beef ready in about 50 minutes pairs pound ground beef, large onions, finely chopped, tablespoons berbere spice blend for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 35 min Serves 4 African cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 finely chopped large onions and sauté for 10 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tablespoon minced garlic and 1 tablespoon minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic. Add 3 tablespoons berbere spice blend and cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot with injera, rice, or flatbread to enjoy a flavorful, spicy beef stew.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ground Beef Zigni Wat with Berbere and Tomato take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Ground Beef Zigni Wat with Berbere and Tomato?

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 pound ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ground Beef Zigni Wat with Berbere and Tomato?

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 Ground Beef Zigni Wat with Berbere and Tomato 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 Ground Beef Zigni Wat with Berbere and Tomato?

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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