Baked Beef and Lima Deluxe

Introduction

History

The origins of the Baked Beef and Lima Deluxe can be traced back to American home cooking traditions, where casseroles and baked dishes have long been staples. This particular recipe combines elements of classic American cuisine, such as the use of ground beef and bacon, with the hearty, filling presence of lima beans. It's a dish that reflects the simplicity and richness of home-cooked meals, evolving over time as home cooks have added their own touches to make it even more flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results when preparing Baked Beef and Lima Deluxe, consider the following tips and tricks:

- Brown the ground beef thoroughly before combining it with other ingredients to ensure it's fully cooked and flavorful.

- Drain the lima beans well to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

- Layer the bacon on top before baking to allow it to crisp up, adding a delightful texture contrast to the dish.

- For a deeper flavor, consider sautéing the onion with a clove of minced garlic before adding it to the beef.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Baked Beef and Lima Deluxe hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Browning the beef before baking ensures it's fully cooked and adds depth to the dish's flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef for a lighter version.

- Maple syrup or honey can substitute for brown sugar for a different sweetness.

- Canned diced tomatoes can replace tomato bits for a chunkier texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the beef and onion mixture ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to bake, combine with the remaining ingredients and bake as directed. This can save time and make meal preparation more convenient.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Baked Beef and Lima Deluxe in a colorful casserole dish for a rustic, homey presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

A medium-bodied red wine, such as Merlot or Zinfandel, pairs well with the rich flavors of this dish. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling apple cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water if the dish seems dry upon reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Baked Beef and Lima Deluxe contains approximately 350 calories, making it a hearty option that can fit into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

This dish provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the brown sugar and lima beans. The total carbohydrate content per serving is approximately 30 grams. Lima beans are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which are important for energy.

Fats

The Baked Beef and Lima Deluxe contains fats from the ground beef and bacon. The total fat content per serving is around 15 grams, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. Using lean ground beef can help reduce the saturated fat content.

Proteins

This recipe is rich in proteins, thanks to the ground beef and lima beans. Each serving provides approximately 25 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

Lima beans are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. The tomato sauce also contributes vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant. Together, these ingredients make the dish a nutritious option.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, those with sensitivities to legumes should be cautious due to the lima beans.

Summary

Overall, the Baked Beef and Lima Deluxe is a balanced dish, offering a good mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a hearty, nutritious option suitable for a family dinner.

Summary

The Baked Beef and Lima Deluxe is a classic, comforting dish that combines hearty ingredients in a flavorful, satisfying way. With its rich nutritional profile and versatility, it's a perfect option for a family dinner. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or explore variations, this dish is sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from anyone who would teach me. One day, as I was rummaging through my grandmother's old recipe box, I stumbled upon a worn, faded card with the title "Baked Beef and Lima Deluxe." Intrigued by the name, I asked my grandmother where she had gotten the recipe. She chuckled and told me it was a cherished family recipe that had been passed down for generations.

My grandmother explained that the recipe had originated from my great-grandmother, who was known for her delicious and hearty meals. She had learned to make the dish from her own mother, who in turn had learned it from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had stood the test of time and had been lovingly shared within our family for decades.

Excited to try my hand at making this family favorite, I asked my grandmother to teach me the recipe. She gladly agreed and together we set out to gather the ingredients and prepare the dish. The recipe called for tender pieces of beef, creamy lima beans, diced tomatoes, onions, and a blend of savory herbs and spices. As we worked side by side in the kitchen, my grandmother shared stories of her own experiences making the dish and the joy it brought to her family.

I listened intently as my grandmother passed on her knowledge and wisdom, showing me the proper techniques for browning the beef, sautéing the onions, and simmering the ingredients together to create a rich and flavorful sauce. She taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail, reminding me that the secret to great cooking lies in the care and love you put into each dish.

As the aromas of the beef and lima beans filled the kitchen, I could hardly contain my excitement to taste the finished dish. When it was finally ready, my grandmother and I sat down together at the table to savor the fruits of our labor. The first bite was like a taste of heaven – tender, juicy beef mingling with creamy lima beans and a burst of fresh tomato flavor. It was a dish that warmed the soul and filled the belly, reminding me of the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

From that day on, Baked Beef and Lima Deluxe became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home, each time with a sense of pride and nostalgia for the recipe that had been passed down through the generations. I shared it with friends and neighbors, who marveled at its simplicity and deliciousness, and asked for the recipe to make it themselves.

As the years passed and I grew older, the recipe for Baked Beef and Lima Deluxe became more than just a dish – it became a symbol of my family's history and traditions. It was a reminder of the love and care that went into each meal, and the joy that came from sharing good food with those we hold dear. I treasured the memories of learning to make the dish with my grandmother, and the bond we shared over our shared love of cooking.

Now, as I pass on the recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope that they too will find joy and fulfillment in the simple act of preparing a meal for their loved ones. I hope that they will remember the stories and traditions that have shaped our family for generations, and carry on the legacy of Baked Beef and Lima Deluxe with pride and love.

For me, this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart – a reminder of the past, a connection to the present, and a promise for the future. And whenever I make it, the familiar flavors and comforting aromas will transport me back to that day when I first discovered the magic of Baked Beef and Lima Deluxe, and learned the true meaning of family and food.

Categories

| Bacon Recipes | Beef Recipes | Brown Sugar Recipes | Cathy's Recipes |

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