Western Lima Bean Bake
A hearty baked dish featuring tender lima beans layered with seasoned ground beef, topped optionally with cheese or cornbread. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook lima beans and drain.
- Brown ground beef; add chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and tomato sauce.
- Put cooked beans in a casserole dish and top with the meat mixture.
- Optional: add a thin layer of cornbread on top and sprinkle cheese before baking.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning some garlic with the beef. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a mix of chopped mushrooms and lentils. You can also use canned lima beans to save time, but drain and rinse them before adding to the dish. For added texture, mix in some corn or diced tomatoes with the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting twist, serve it alongside cornbread or warm biscuits. If you're looking for more hearty options, consider serving it with a generous helping of Bierocks (Hamburger And Cabbage Squares) for a complete experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Western Lima Bean Bake contains roughly 462 calories, with 13g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (171% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 513mg per serving (22% 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 frozen lima beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use frozen lima beans for this recipe. Simply cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the casserole. This will save you time and still provide a delicious result. Just be sure to drain any excess water before layering them in the dish.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For extra flavor, consider adding spices like cumin, paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme can also enhance the dish. If you enjoy smoky flavors, a bit of smoked paprika would work wonderfully here as well.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lima bean bake ahead of time by assembling it in the casserole dish, then covering and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).