Seared Beef Kitfo with Ethiopian Collard Greens

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

A flavorful Ethiopian beef dish where finely minced beef is gently seared and served alongside tender sautéed collard greens, combining rich spices and fresh vegetables. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs lean ground beef, mitmita (Ethiopian chili powder), garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 Ethiopian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp niter kibbeh in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 tsp mitmita, salt, and black pepper to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently until the beef is fully cooked but still tender, breaking it up into fine pieces.
  3. Step 3: Remove the beef from the skillet and keep warm. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add 1 lb chopped collard greens and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and bright green.
  4. Step 4: Season the collard greens with salt, black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Stir in 2 tbsp koseret or chopped basil for a fresh herbal note.
  5. Step 5: Serve the seared beef kitfo alongside the sautéed collard greens on a large platter, garnished with extra herbs if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Beef Kitfo with Ethiopian Collard Greens 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 Seared Beef Kitfo with Ethiopian Collard Greens?

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 Seared Beef Kitfo with Ethiopian Collard Greens?

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 Seared Beef Kitfo with Ethiopian Collard Greens 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 Seared Beef Kitfo with Ethiopian Collard Greens?

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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