Pan-Seared Kitfo with Mitmita and Fresh Ayib Cheese

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

Ethiopian-style seasoned ground beef pan-seared with spicy mitmita and served alongside homemade mild ayib cheese. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 50 minutes pairs lean ground beef, mitmita spice blend, niter kibbeh (spiced butter) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 470 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 470 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: To make ayib cheese, bring 1 quart whole milk to a gentle simmer in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
  2. Step 2: When milk starts to curdle and separate, remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice. Let sit 10 minutes until curds fully separate.
  3. Step 3: Line a fine mesh sieve with cheesecloth and strain the curds, allowing excess whey to drain for 30 minutes. Transfer the soft curds to a bowl, stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives, and season with a pinch of salt. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: For kitfo, heat 2 tbsp niter kibbeh in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 1/2 tbsp mitmita spice blend, and 1 tsp salt, stirring continuously to break up the meat.
  6. Step 6: Cook the beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring often until just cooked through but still moist and tender.
  7. Step 7: Serve the warm spiced kitfo immediately with a side of fresh ayib cheese and injera or flatbread for a traditional Ethiopian pairing.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Kitfo with Mitmita and Fresh Ayib Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 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 Pan-Seared Kitfo with Mitmita and Fresh Ayib Cheese?

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 Pan-Seared Kitfo with Mitmita and Fresh Ayib Cheese?

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 Pan-Seared Kitfo with Mitmita and Fresh Ayib Cheese 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 Pan-Seared Kitfo with Mitmita and Fresh Ayib Cheese?

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.

Related recipes