Sautéed Beef Tibs with Berbere and Mixed Bell Peppers

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

Tender beef cubes quickly sautéed with vibrant bell peppers and seasoned with aromatic berbere spice for a flavorful Ethiopian-inspired dish. This african-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice blend, large yellow onion, sliced 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes and 1 tsp salt, cooking for 4-5 minutes without stirring to develop a sear.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 1/2 tbsp berbere spice blend, tossing to coat the beef evenly and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 large sliced yellow onion, 1 medium sliced green bell pepper, and 1 medium sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften but retain some crunch.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the dish, stirring to combine.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with injera or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Beef Tibs with Berbere and Mixed Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Sautéed Beef Tibs with Berbere and Mixed Bell Peppers?

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 berbere spice blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Beef Tibs with Berbere and Mixed Bell Peppers?

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 Sautéed Beef Tibs with Berbere and Mixed Bell Peppers 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 Sautéed Beef Tibs with Berbere and Mixed Bell Peppers?

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.