Slow-Simmered Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere and Rosemary
Tender beef cubes slowly cooked in berbere spices and fresh rosemary, resulting in a fragrant and savory Ethiopian-inspired dish. This african-inspired beef ready in about 60 minutes pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, berbere spice blend, niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp berbere spice blend
- 3 tbsp niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter)
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp niter kibbeh in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté for 7 minutes until softened and golden.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, coating the onion mixture, then add 1.5 lbs cubed beef sirloin. Brown beef on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 1 sliced green bell pepper and 1 diced medium tomato, stirring to combine.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup water, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 30 minutes until beef is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stir well, and cook uncovered for another 5 minutes to concentrate flavors. 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 Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere and Rosemary take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere and Rosemary?
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 Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere and Rosemary?
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 Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere and Rosemary 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 Spiced Beef Tibs with Berbere and Rosemary?
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.
