Kitfo-Style Minced Beef with Mitmita and Spiced Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Ethiopian-style minced raw beef seasoned with mitmita spice and warmed in spiced clarified butter, a savory and bold dish often enjoyed with injera. This african-inspired beef ready in about 15 minutes pairs pound lean ground beef, tablespoon mitmita spice blend, teaspoon salt 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound lean ground beef with 1 tablespoon mitmita spice blend, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary if using. Mix gently until spices are evenly distributed.
  2. Step 2: In a small skillet, warm 3 tablespoons niter kibbeh over low heat until melted and aromatic, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add the seasoned ground beef to the skillet and gently warm it in the spiced butter for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just heated through but still pink inside.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and serve immediately with injera or your preferred flatbread, using the bread to scoop up the rich, spiced meat mixture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kitfo-Style Minced Beef with Mitmita and Spiced Butter 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-Style Minced Beef 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 pound lean ground beef from drying out.

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

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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