Poncho'S Baked Beans
A hearty baked bean dish with ground beef, lima beans, tomatoes, and cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners and casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare lima beans according to package directions; drain.
- Brown ground round in a skillet.
- Combine all ingredients including lima beans, stewed tomatoes, onion rings, cheese, salt, crushed garlic, black pepper, and chili powder.
- Place the mixture in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground round if you prefer a leaner option. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used in a pinch. This dish can also be adapted for vegetarian recipes by omitting the meat and adding more beans.
Serving Suggestions
Poncho's Baked Beans make a hearty main dish, perfect for summer barbecues or potlucks. Serve with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with sides like coleslaw or a fresh garden salad. For dessert, consider serving Aunt Mildred's Apple Cake to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm. This dish also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poncho'S Baked Beans contains roughly 429 calories, with 33g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), iron (67% of the Daily Value), and protein (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 724mg per serving (31% 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 frozen lima beans?
Yes, you can use canned lima beans for convenience. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the mixture to reduce sodium content. Canned beans will also require less cooking time, so adjust your baking time accordingly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, you can incorporate diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Additionally, consider using a spicy chili powder blend or serving with hot sauce on the side. Adjust the spices to your taste for the perfect kick.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make Poncho's Baked Beans vegetarian, simply omit the ground round and replace it with an extra cup of lima beans or another favorite bean variety. This will maintain the protein content while keeping the dish 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).