Slow Cooker Ethiopian Beef Tibs with Onions and Berbere

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

Tender beef cubes slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and fragrant berbere spices for a rich Ethiopian-inspired stew. This ethiopian-inspired african ready in about 440 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, olive oil, sliced red onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, 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: 420 min Serves 6 Ethiopian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck roast cubes and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  2. Step 2: Transfer browned beef to a slow cooker. In the same skillet, add 2 large sliced red onions and 5 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 tbsp berbere spice blend and 2 tbsp tomato paste to the onions and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes to release aromas.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup beef broth, scraping up browned bits from the skillet, then transfer the mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until beef is tender.
  6. Step 6: Before serving, stir in 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for brightness and garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Ethiopian Beef Tibs with Onions and Berbere take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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 Cooker Ethiopian Beef Tibs with Onions and Berbere?

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 roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Ethiopian Beef Tibs with Onions and Berbere?

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 Cooker Ethiopian Beef Tibs with Onions and Berbere 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 Cooker Ethiopian Beef Tibs with Onions and Berbere?

Ethiopian african 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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