Slow-Cooked Ethiopian Spiced Beef Tibs

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

Tender beef cubes slow-cooked with Ethiopian spices, garlic, and onions, delivering deep, comforting flavors perfect for a cozy dinner. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice blend, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 8 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove beef and set aside. In the same pot, add 2 medium sliced yellow onions and cook for 7 minutes until caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch minced ginger root, cooking for 2 minutes until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Mix in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, stirring for 1 minute to deepen flavors.
  5. Step 5: Return beef to pot and pour in 2 cups beef broth. Season with 1.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2 hours until the beef is fork-tender and sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning and serve hot with injera or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Ethiopian Spiced Beef Tibs 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 Spiced Beef Tibs?

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 berbere spice blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Ethiopian Spiced Beef Tibs?

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 Spiced Beef Tibs 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 Spiced Beef Tibs?

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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