Sautéed Tibs Beef with Berbere and Mitmita

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

Tender cubes of beef sautéed with traditional Ethiopian spices berbere and mitmita, served with caramelized onions and peppers. This african-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, large, thinly sliced yellow onion, medium, sliced green bell pepper 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: 20 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 medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and 1 medium sliced green bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and edges start to caramelize.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger root to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Increase heat to high and add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes, searing for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tbsp berbere spice blend, 1 tsp mitmita spice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper over the beef. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables with spices.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 medium diced tomato and cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and spices form a thick coating.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to medium, cover loosely, and cook for 5 minutes until beef is cooked through but still tender. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Tibs Beef with Berbere and Mitmita take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Tibs Beef with Berbere and Mitmita?

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 medium, diced tomato from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Tibs Beef with Berbere and Mitmita?

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 Tibs Beef with Berbere and Mitmita 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 Tibs Beef with Berbere and Mitmita?

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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