Slow-Cooked Tibs Beef with Spiced Butter Sauce

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

Tender cubes of beef slow-cooked in a fragrant Ethiopian spiced butter sauce called niter kibbeh, enhanced with fresh herbs and chilies. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 150 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, yellow onion, garlic cloves 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.

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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 4 tbsp niter kibbeh in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, developing a deep crust.
  2. Step 2: Remove beef and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large sliced yellow onion, sautéing for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 sliced green chili, and 1 tbsp berbere spice mix, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot, add 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pour in 1 cup beef broth and bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook slowly for 2 hours until beef is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
  6. Step 6: Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot with injera or steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Tibs Beef with Spiced Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (20 min prep + 130 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 Spiced Butter Sauce?

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 beef chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Tibs Beef with Spiced Butter 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 Spiced Butter 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 Spiced Butter Sauce?

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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