Simmered Berbere-Spiced Beef Tibs with Onions and Peppers

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

Tender cubes of beef sautéed with sweet onions, colorful peppers, and fragrant berbere spice for an Ethiopian-inspired savory dish. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 40 minutes pairs beef sirloin, yellow onion, green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 25 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 420 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 lb beef sirloin cubes and sear for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion, 1 medium sliced green bell pepper, and 1 medium sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften and edges begin to caramelize.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the skillet, add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, and 1/4 cup water. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for 10 minutes until beef is cooked through and sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with injera or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Berbere-Spiced Beef Tibs with Onions and Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Simmered Berbere-Spiced Beef Tibs with Onions and 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 beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Berbere-Spiced Beef Tibs with Onions and 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 Simmered Berbere-Spiced Beef Tibs with Onions and 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 Simmered Berbere-Spiced Beef Tibs with Onions and Peppers?

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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