Two Bean - Beef Bake
A hearty two-bean beef bake combining savory ground beef, lima beans, pork and beans, and flavorful spices, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook lima beans until almost tender.
- Drain the lima beans.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet.
- Add chopped celery, green pepper, and onion to the skillet.
- Cook until vegetables are well done.
- Stir in lima beans, pork and beans, tomato paste, water, chili powder, and salt.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Garnish with a border of tortilla chips before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, when cooking the vegetables. If you don't have lima beans, you can substitute with green beans or even kidney beans. To reduce the sodium content, opt for low-sodium pork and beans. This dish is quite versatile and can be adapted to include other vegetables like corn or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Two Bean - Beef Bake with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It's also delicious with cornbread or over rice, making it a filling option. For a fun twist, pair it with tortilla chips or serve it as a hearty dip alongside your favorite salsa. This dish is perfect for gatherings and is sure to please a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Two Bean - Beef Bake contains roughly 965 calories, with 20g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), iron (50% of the Daily Value), and potassium (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2138mg per serving (93% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, but add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative or to make it lighter, ground turkey or chicken would work well in this recipe. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or tofu, adjusting the seasonings as needed for flavor.
Can I freeze the Two Bean - Beef Bake?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or reheat directly from frozen, increasing the baking time.
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).