Kitfo Ethiopian Minced Beef with Mitmita Spice

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

Finely minced raw beef seasoned with spicy mitmita and niter kibbeh butter, served traditionally with soft injera or cooked greens. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 15 minutes pairs lean ground beef, salt, minced garlic cloves 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: 5 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb lean ground beef with 3 tbsp melted niter kibbeh, 1 tsp mitmita spice, 1 tsp salt, and 1 clove minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil for a fresh herbal note.
  3. Step 3: Traditionally served raw; if preferred cooked, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the mixture for 3-4 minutes until just warmed through but not fully cooked, preserving tenderness.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately on injera or alongside lightly sautéed collard greens or spinach.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kitfo Ethiopian Minced Beef with Mitmita Spice take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 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 Kitfo Ethiopian Minced Beef with Mitmita Spice?

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 lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kitfo Ethiopian Minced Beef with Mitmita Spice?

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 Kitfo Ethiopian Minced Beef with Mitmita Spice 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 Kitfo Ethiopian Minced Beef with Mitmita Spice?

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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