Slow-Simmered Tibs Beef with Berbere and Onions

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

Tender cubes of beef slowly cooked with traditional Ethiopian berbere spices and caramelized onions, resulting in a rich and flavorful tibs dish. This ethiopian-inspired beef ready in about 70 minutes pairs beef sirloin, yellow onion, berbere spice mix 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: 15 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add 2 large thinly sliced yellow onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the onions, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp berbere spice mix and cook for 1 minute to release the aromatic flavors.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes, tossing to coat them evenly with the spice and onion mixture. Sear the beef for 5 minutes until browned on all sides.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup water, add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary if using. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 45 minutes until beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes over medium heat to reduce the sauce further if needed, then serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Tibs Beef with Berbere and Onions take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 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 Tibs Beef with Berbere and Onions?

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 sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Tibs Beef with Berbere and Onions?

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 Tibs Beef with Berbere and Onions 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 Tibs Beef with Berbere and Onions?

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.

Related recipes