Kitfo-Style Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Niter Kibbeh

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

Minced raw beef seasoned with traditional Ethiopian spices, clarified butter, and served with injera or flatbread for an indulgent, flavorful dish. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 15 minutes layers lean sirloin beef, finely minced, mitmita spice blend, salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 lb finely minced lean sirloin beef in a chilled bowl. Add 3 tbsp melted niter kibbeh, 1 1/2 tsp mitmita spice blend, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Gently mix the ingredients using a wooden spoon or your hands until fully combined and the beef is evenly coated with the spices and butter, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Fold in 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, mixing just to combine.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the kitfo to a serving plate and serve immediately with injera or your choice of flatbread for scooping.
  5. Step 5: Optionally, accompany with a side of mild cottage cheese or cooked greens for a traditional experience.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Kitfo-Style Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Niter Kibbeh take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Kitfo-Style Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Niter Kibbeh?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kitfo-Style Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Niter Kibbeh?

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 Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Niter Kibbeh 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 Spiced Beef Tartare with Mitmita and Niter Kibbeh?

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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