Simmered Kitfo Spiced Beef with Niter Kibbeh Butter

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

A rich Ethiopian dish of finely chopped beef gently cooked with spiced clarified butter and mild chili, delivering a velvety texture and vibrant flavor. This african-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes pairs teaspoon mitmita spice blend, garlic cloves, minced, teaspoon salt 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 African cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium skillet over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons niter kibbeh until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon salt, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 teaspoon mitmita spice blend and 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder, cooking for 30 seconds.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 pound finely chopped lean beef tenderloin and gently cook over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is just cooked through but still tender.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, stir well, and remove from heat.
  6. Step 6: Serve warm with injera or flatbread for scooping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Kitfo Spiced Beef with Niter Kibbeh Butter take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Simmered Kitfo Spiced Beef with Niter Kibbeh Butter?

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 teaspoon mitmita spice blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Kitfo Spiced Beef with Niter Kibbeh Butter?

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 Kitfo Spiced Beef with Niter Kibbeh Butter 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 Kitfo Spiced Beef with Niter Kibbeh Butter?

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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