Slow-Simmered Beef Tibs with Berbere and Onions

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

Tender chunks of beef slowly simmered with onions and berbere spice for a rich, aromatic Ethiopian-inspired dish. This african-inspired beef ready in about 130 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice blend, large, sliced yellow onion 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: 20 min Cook: 110 min Serves 4 African cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb beef chuck cubes and sear for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 2 large sliced yellow onions and cook for 7 minutes until caramelized and soft.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp berbere spice blend and 1 tbsp tomato paste, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until the spices are toasted.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the pot and pour in 1 1/2 cups beef broth, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving with injera or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 130 minutes (20 min prep + 110 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-Simmered Beef Tibs 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 berbere spice blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Beef Tibs 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-Simmered Beef Tibs 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-Simmered Beef Tibs 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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