Slow-Cooked Ethiopian Beef Tibs with Aromatic Spices
Tender beef cubes slow-cooked in a fragrant blend of Ethiopian spices, onions, and garlic for a warm, savory dish with deep flavors. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, yellow onion, sliced, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp berbere spice
- 3 tbsp niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter) or unsalted butter
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp niter kibbeh or unsalted butter until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 2 medium sliced yellow onions and sauté for 8 minutes until caramelized and golden brown.
- Step 3: Stir in 5 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes and 2 tbsp berbere spice, tossing to coat the beef. Sear for 5 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Step 5: Add 1 large chopped tomato, 1 cup water, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary. Stir well to combine.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with injera or steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Ethiopian Beef Tibs with Aromatic Spices take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Slow-Cooked Ethiopian Beef Tibs with Aromatic Spices?
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 yellow onion, sliced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Ethiopian Beef Tibs with Aromatic Spices?
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 Slow-Cooked Ethiopian Beef Tibs with Aromatic Spices 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 Slow-Cooked Ethiopian Beef Tibs with Aromatic Spices?
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.
