Slow-Simmered Berbere Beef Stew with Injera Bites

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A richly spiced Ethiopian beef stew slow-cooked with traditional berbere spice blend, served alongside soft injera bread for dipping. This african-inspired beef ready in about 170 minutes pairs pounds beef chuck, cubed, berbere spice mix, large yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 150 min Serves 6 African cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp niter kibbeh in a heavy pot over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Add 1 large diced yellow onion, cooking and stirring for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 pounds cubed beef chuck and 3 tbsp berbere spice mix, stirring to coat the meat evenly and cook for 5 minutes until the beef is browned on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Mix in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly and the spices smell aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 3 cups beef broth, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let the stew cook gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Serve the stew hot with a large piece of injera bread torn into bite-sized pieces to scoop up the stew, enjoying the traditional Ethiopian dining style.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Berbere Beef Stew with Injera Bites 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 Berbere Beef Stew with Injera Bites?

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 pounds beef chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Berbere Beef Stew with Injera Bites?

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 Berbere Beef Stew with Injera Bites 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 Berbere Beef Stew with Injera Bites?

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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