Spiced Beef Zigni Wat with Berbere and Onions

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

A robust Eritrean-inspired beef stew slow-cooked with berbere spice, caramelized onions, and garlic for a deeply flavorful meal. This eritrean-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, vegetable oil, large, thinly sliced yellow onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Eritrean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 2 large thinly sliced yellow onions and cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 teaspoons minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 tablespoons berbere spice blend and 3 tablespoons tomato paste, stirring for 3 minutes to blend and intensify the flavors.
  4. Step 4: Increase heat to medium-high and add 1.5 pounds beef chuck cubes, stirring to coat the beef in the spice mixture and brown for 5-6 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 cups water or beef broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper before serving hot with injera or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Beef Zigni Wat with Berbere and Onions 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 Spiced Beef Zigni Wat 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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Beef Zigni Wat 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 Spiced Beef Zigni Wat with Berbere and Onions 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 Spiced Beef Zigni Wat with Berbere and Onions?

Eritrean 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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