Slow-Simmered Beef Zigni with Berbere and Tomato
A robust Eritrean-inspired beef stew slow-cooked in a rich tomato and berbere sauce for deep, warming flavors. This african-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, vegetable oil, medium, finely chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 5, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh, grated ginger
- 3 tbsp berbere spice mix
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 2 finely chopped medium yellow onions and sauté for 6-7 minutes until golden and soft.
- Step 3: Stir in 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 3 tbsp berbere spice mix. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 3 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine.
- Step 5: Return the browned beef to the pot along with 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup water, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 6: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with injera or rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Beef Zigni with Berbere and Tomato take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Zigni with Berbere and Tomato?
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-Simmered Beef Zigni with Berbere and Tomato?
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 Zigni with Berbere and Tomato 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-Simmered Beef Zigni with Berbere and Tomato?
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.
