Lima Beans With Ground Meat
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender lima beans cooked with ground meat and onions, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash or soak the lima beans and cover them with water.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a skillet, then add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the beans until tender, about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground chuck with chopped onions, salt, and pepper in another skillet.
- Drain the cooked beans and add them to the skillet with the ground meat and onions.
- Simmer everything together for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve over rice with cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or spices like cumin and paprika while cooking the ground chuck. If you don't have baby limas, other beans such as cannellini or navy beans can be used as substitutes. Ensure to soak the beans overnight for quicker cooking. Adjust the seasoning with additional herbs like thyme or bay leaf for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, which helps soak up the savory flavors, and is complemented by cornbread for a delightful contrast. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad, like Fresh Berry Salad, for a balanced meal. A dollop of Sweet Mixed Relish can also add a nice touch of sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lima Beans With Ground Meat contains roughly 315 calories, with 5g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2165mg 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 dried lima beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried lima beans, but they will require soaking overnight and a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the water accordingly and check for tenderness as they cook.
What can I serve with Lima Beans With Ground Meat?
This dish is great served over rice. You can also pair it with cornbread or a side of sautéed greens for a wholesome meal. Adding a fresh salad on the side can provide a nice crunch and balance to the dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the dish a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors will meld even more, making it taste even better the next day.
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).