Slow-Cooked Tibs Beef with Onions and Berbere Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender cubes of beef slow-cooked with caramelized onions and spicy berbere sauce, a hearty Ethiopian-inspired dish. This african-inspired beef ready in about 150 minutes blends large yellow onions, thinly sliced, tablespoons berbere spice blend, garlic cloves, minced 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 4, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 130 min Serves 4 African cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds beef chuck cubes and brown all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 3 thinly sliced yellow onions and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons berbere spice blend, and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the tomato paste darkens.
  4. Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot and add 1 cup beef broth, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 2 hours until beef is fork-tender and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot with injera or steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Tibs Beef with Onions and 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 Tibs Beef with Onions and 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 Tibs Beef with Onions and 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 Tibs Beef with Onions and Berbere Sauce 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 Onions and 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.

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