Beef Stew With Lima Beans
A hearty beef stew with lima beans and aromatic cinnamon, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the beef cubes and sauté the chopped onion in a cooking pot over medium heat.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the canned tomatoes, cinnamon stick, and lima beans to the pot.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the beef cubes in a mix of garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs overnight. If you can't find lima beans, navy or cannellini beans can be a good substitute. Also, feel free to toss in some carrots or potatoes for added heartiness, similar to Hearty Beef And Barley Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting dessert, consider following it up with Marsha'S Sweet Soup to round out your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Stew With Lima Beans contains roughly 148 calories, with 5g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (217% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1881mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Yes, while beef cubes are ideal, you can use chuck roast or brisket, which will become tender during the cooking process. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
How can I thicken the stew if it turns out too thin?
To thicken your stew, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water and stir it into the stew while it's simmering. Alternatively, you can mash some of the lima beans to create a thicker texture.
What can I do if I don't have canned tomatoes?
If canned tomatoes aren't available, you can substitute with fresh tomatoes. Just chop about 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes and add them to the pot. You can also use tomato sauce or paste; just adjust the quantity to taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).