Ethiopian Beef Stew in Berbere Sauce

Savor the bold and aromatic flavors of Ethiopia with this Ethiopian Beef Stew in Berbere Sauce—an irresistible dish that transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful meal. Tender chunks of beef are slow-simmered in a rich and spicy berbere-infused sauce, crafted with sautéed onions, garlic, ginger, and crushed tomatoes. The signature Ethiopian spice blend, berbere, imparts a warm, complex heat that’s perfectly balanced with the earthy richness of niter kibbeh (spiced butter) or regular butter. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this one-pot wonder is slow-cooked to perfection, creating a hearty and comforting stew that’s perfect for pairing with injera, rice, or flatbread. Ideal for cozy dinners or introducing international flavors to your table, this dish is bursting with authentic Ethiopian flavors that will transport your taste buds.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:75 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 2 medium yellow onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons butter or niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced butter)
• 2 tablespoons berbere spice blend
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef or chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2

Finely chop the onions, mince the garlic cloves, and grate the ginger.

Step 3

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to warm up.

Step 4

Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté for about 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are deeply golden brown and softened.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the onions, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the berbere spice blend, allowing it to toast with the aromatics for 1 minute to release its full flavor.

Step 7

Add the beef pieces to the pot and stir to coat them in the spice mixture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef begins to brown.

Step 8

Add the crushed tomatoes and stir to incorporate. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 9

Pour in the beef or chicken stock, season with salt and black pepper, and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 10

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the stew simmer for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 11

Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt or berbere if needed.

Step 12

Serve the Ethiopian Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Pair with injera, rice, or flatbread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1256.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1886.0

Total Fat 132.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 53.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 504.5mg	0%
Sodium 3589.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 45.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.3g	0%
Total Sugars 17.0g
Protein 127.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 235.8mg	0%
Iron 15.4mg	0%
Potassium 2560.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.2%

Protein: 27.1%

Carbs: 9.6%