Slow-Simmered Ethiopian Berbere Beef Stew

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

A robust beef stew infused with traditional Ethiopian berbere spice blend, slow-cooked until tender and rich with layers of warm, smoky flavors. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice blend, onion, finely chopped 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 5-6 minutes until a deep crust forms, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 cup finely chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp berbere spice blend and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen the flavors.
  4. Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in 3 cups beef broth and 1 cup water, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Ethiopian Berbere Beef Stew 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 Ethiopian Berbere 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 berbere spice blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Ethiopian Berbere 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 Ethiopian Berbere Beef Stew 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 Ethiopian Berbere Beef Stew?

Ethiopian 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes