Western Lima Beans
Hearty baked lima beans with ground beef, tomato sauce, and savory seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook lima beans in water until tender.
- Drain the beans and save 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
- Combine the cooked beans, browned ground beef, chopped onion, tomato sauce, reserved cooking liquid, salt, bay leaf, and poultry seasoning in a casserole dish.
- Bake the casserole until bubbly in a 350°F oven.
Tips & Substitutions
For this dish, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef for a lighter option. If you don't have poultry seasoning, a mix of thyme, sage, and rosemary works well. Ensure the lima beans are soaked overnight for better texture. If you want to add more flavor, consider sautéing garlic with the onions. This recipe is a great way to use leftover beans from dishes like Beef Stew And Rigatoni.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Western Lima Beans hot from the oven, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Hot Reuben Sandwiches or a side of cornbread to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to keep it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Western Lima Beans contains roughly 606 calories, with 16g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (105% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1992mg per serving (87% 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 dried lima beans instead of soaked?
Yes, you can use dried lima beans, but they will require longer cooking time. Rinse and soak them overnight, then cook them until tender before adding to the casserole. Make sure to adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or tomato puree can be used as a substitute. You can also blend canned tomatoes for a smoother texture. Just keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly, so taste as you go.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
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).