Lima Bean-Meat Ball Savory Supper Bake
A hearty baked dish combining tender lima beans, savory meatballs, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 3 packages frozen Fordhook lima beans ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 5 tablespoons melted shortening ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon rosemary ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced onions ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. cubed Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, sliced into rings ⓘ
Instructions
- Place lima beans in a colander and run hot water over until they separate.
- Drain and pour into a 13 1/2 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Combine and mix thoroughly the ground beef, milk, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, chili powder, and rosemary.
- Shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs lightly in a skillet with 5 tablespoons of melted shortening.
- As the meatballs brown, place them in the baking dish over the beans.
- Brown 2 cups of sliced onions in the skillet.
- Add 8 oz. cans of tomato sauce and 1 cup water and heat.
- Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the contents in the baking dish.
- Top with cubed Cheddar cheese and rings of green pepper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, substitute ground turkey for the beef to lighten the dish while maintaining flavor. If you're low on ingredients, you can use any kind of canned beans instead of lima beans, or even mix in some frozen mixed veggies. To save time, consider using pre-made meatballs or store-bought bread crumbs. Adjust the spices to your taste for a more personalized flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty bake with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mother'S Night Off for a comforting family dinner. Consider offering a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for added flavor. Enjoy it as a filling lunch or dinner option throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Lima Bean-Meat Ball Savory Supper Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lima Bean-Meat Ball Savory Supper Bake contains roughly 755 calories, with 30g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (159% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2158mg per serving (94% 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 fresh lima beans instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh lima beans if you prefer. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the baking dish, as they will need more time to cook than frozen beans. This will ensure they are soft and flavorful in the final dish.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you're not a fan of Cheddar cheese, you can substitute it with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Alternatively, try using a sharp cheese like Gruyère for a more robust taste. Just ensure that whatever cheese you choose melts well in the oven.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, like lentils or a meat substitute. Adjust the seasonings and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to enhance the flavor. This will create a delicious plant-based option without sacrificing 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).