Slow-Simmered Berbere Beef Stew with Injera Spices

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich Ethiopian-inspired beef stew simmered with a fragrant blend of berbere spices and served with a touch of traditional injera seasoning. This african-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs 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 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: 120 min Serves 4 African cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp niter kibbeh in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until melted and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb cubed beef chuck to the pot, browning on all sides for about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Mix in 3 tbsp berbere spice mix and 2 tbsp tomato paste, stirring to coat the beef and cook for 2 minutes until the paste darkens.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 3 cups beef broth and 1 cup water, then add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp injera spice blend. Bring to a boil.
  7. Step 7: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and stew thickens.
  8. Step 8: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Berbere Beef Stew with Injera Spices take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Spices?

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 Berbere Beef Stew with Injera Spices?

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 Spices 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 Berbere Beef Stew with Injera Spices?

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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