Lima Con Carne
Lima Con Carne is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender lima beans, seasoned ground beef, and spicy tomato sauce topped with cheese, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the dried lima beans and remove any foreign particles.
- Cover the lima beans with cold water and refrigerate or freeze overnight to soften and reduce cooking time.
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef and pork sausage until browned.
- Add chopped onion to the meat and cook until translucent.
- Stir in tomato sauce and chili powder, then simmer to blend flavors.
- Add the soaked lima beans to the mixture and cook until beans are tender.
- Top with shredded American cheese and serve with corn chips.
Tips & Substitutions
Soaking the lima beans overnight not only reduces cooking time but also enhances their texture. If you're short on time, consider using canned lima beans instead, but reduce the cooking time accordingly. For added flavor, you can substitute ground turkey for beef or try adding spices like cumin or paprika for a different twist. This dish is a hearty choice for those who enjoy beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lima Con Carne hot, topped with shredded American cheese for a creamy finish. Pair it with corn chips for a delightful crunch. This dish goes well with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Chilironi for a unique flavor combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lima Con Carne contains roughly 1531 calories, with 41g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (83% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt Lima Con Carne to be vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of water. Substitute the ground beef and sausage with plant-based alternatives or additional beans for protein, and enhance the flavor with more spices and vegetables.
What can I serve with Lima Con Carne?
Lima Con Carne pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You can also serve it with steamed rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. For a fun appetizer, try serving it alongside Sweet And Sour Meat Balls for a delicious spread.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To adjust the spiciness, you can modify the amount of chili powder used. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can also add a bit of sugar to balance the heat or use mild tomato sauce instead of regular. Adding sour cream as a topping can also help mellow the spice.
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).