Chili Limas
A hearty chili with tender lima beans and seasoned ground beef, perfect for comforting gatherings and satisfying spicy cravings with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak dried large lima beans overnight.
- Cook the beans until tender, season with bacon or ham hock, then drain and place in a large casserole dish.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, minced garlic, salt, and chili powder. Mix well.
- Add chopped tomatoes and sugar to the meat mixture.
- Pour the seasoned meat mixture over the cooked beans.
- Mix lightly and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a smoked sausage or bacon to the meat mixture. If you want to make it vegetarian, substitute the beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust the chili powder according to your heat preference and add some cumin for extra depth. You can also use canned beans to save time, just reduce the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chili Limas with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Meat And Gravy or a simple side salad. Consider garnishing with chopped green onions or shredded cheese for added flavor. This dish also makes a great filling for burritos or tacos for a creative spin.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chili Limas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Limas contains roughly 412 calories, with 10g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (118% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2604mg per serving (113% 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 canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned large lima beans to save time. Drain and rinse them before adding them to the casserole. Reduce the baking time to about 15-20 minutes, just enough to heat through and meld the flavors.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the meat mixture. You can also top the finished dish with hot sauce or serve with spicy pickled jalapeños on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils. You can also enhance the flavor with additional spices and vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini to keep it hearty and satisfying.
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).