Lima Stew With Meatballs
Lima Stew With Meatballs offers hearty comfort with tender lima beans, flavorful meatballs, and savory tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and cold-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the lima beans thoroughly.
- Place the beans in a Dutch oven and add 4 1/2 cups water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes.
- Cover and let stand for 1 hour or soak overnight.
- Do not drain the beans after soaking.
- Combine flour and 1/2 cup cold water to make a slurry.
- Stir the flour mixture into the beans.
- Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
- Add sliced celery, sliced carrots, and chopped onions to the pot.
- Fry the ground beef with chopped onions until browned.
- Add the cooked meat and onions to the bean mixture.
- Stir in the tomato sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the bay leaf in the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Spoon the bean and meat mixture into the dish.
- Cover and bake in a 375°F oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or evaporated milk towards the end of cooking. If you don’t have lima beans, other beans like cannellini or navy beans can be used, though cooking times may vary. To enhance flavor, try adding garlic or herbs such as thyme or oregano to the stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lima Stew with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich stew well. For a comforting twist, pair it with Cabbage Roll Soup for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Lima Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the stew has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lima Stew With Meatballs contains roughly 572 calories, with 24g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (159% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1626mg per serving (71% 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 lima beans instead of dry ones?
Yes, you can use canned lima beans to save time. Rinse and drain them, then add them to the stew in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, as they only need to be heated through.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or plant-based meat alternatives, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stew. You could also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer extra 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).