Slow-Cooked Ethiopian Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere Sauce
Succulent beef cubes slow-cooked in a rich berbere and onion sauce, capturing the bold flavors of Ethiopian cuisine in a hearty dish. This african-inspired beef ready in about 150 minutes blends beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice blend, large, thinly sliced yellow onions into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp berbere spice blend
- 2 large, thinly sliced yellow onions
- 5, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, minced ginger
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and sear for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 2 large thinly sliced yellow onions and sauté for 8 minutes until caramelized and golden brown.
- Step 3: Stir in 5 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 4: Add 3 tbsp berbere spice blend and 4 tbsp tomato paste, stirring for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and the spices are fragrant.
- Step 5: Return the beef cubes to the pot, season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then pour in 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low.
- Step 6: Cook gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and sauce has thickened to a rich consistency.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Ethiopian Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 150 minutes (20 min prep + 130 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Ethiopian Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Ethiopian Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere Sauce?
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 with Berbere Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 with Berbere Sauce?
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.
