Slow-Cooked Tibs Beef with Berbere and Onions

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

Tender cubes of beef sautéed slowly with onions, garlic, and berbere spice for a flavorful Ethiopian-style dish. This african-inspired beef ready in about 60 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, minced garlic cloves, berbere spice mix for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 45 min Serves 4 African cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp niter kibbeh in a heavy skillet over medium heat until melted and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 large sliced red onions and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until softened and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp berbere spice mix; cook for 2 minutes until the mixture becomes aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes to the skillet, searing for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
  5. Step 5: Mix in 2 diced medium tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary.
  6. Step 6: Pour 1/2 cup water, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until beef is tender and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
  7. Step 7: Remove the lid in the last 5 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate, leaving a rich, thick sauce coating the beef.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Tibs Beef with Berbere and Onions take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Tibs Beef with Berbere and Onions?

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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Tibs Beef with Berbere and Onions?

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 Tibs Beef with Berbere and Onions 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 Tibs Beef with Berbere and Onions?

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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