Slow-Simmered Berbere Spiced Beef Stew
A rich Ethiopian-inspired beef stew infused with berbere spice and slow-cooked to tender perfection. This african-inspired beef ready in about 135 minutes pairs tablespoons berbere spice mix, large (about 1 cup) yellow onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons berbere spice mix
- 1 large (about 1 cup) yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until onions soften and become translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons berbere spice mix and 2 tablespoons tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened.
- Step 4: Return browned beef to the pot, add 3 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 2 hours until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Adjust seasoning if needed, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Berbere Spiced Beef Stew take to make?
Total time is about 135 minutes (15 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 Spiced Beef Stew?
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 tablespoons berbere spice mix from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Berbere Spiced Beef Stew?
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 Spiced Beef Stew 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 Spiced Beef Stew?
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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