🍲 Lima Bean Stew with Meatballs 😍

Nothing beats a warm bowl of old-fashioned lima bean stew with homemade meatballs! ❤️ Tender lima beans, juicy seasoned meatballs, carrots, and a rich tomato broth simmer together to create a hearty, comforting meal just like Grandma used to make. This country-style favorite is perfect for chilly evenings and family dinners!

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small egg
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For the stew:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) lima beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Method:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Mix gently until combined.
2. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, then add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf.
5. Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then carefully add the raw meatballs one at a time.
6. Reduce the heat, cover partially, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring gently so the meatballs keep their shape.
7. Add the drained lima beans and stir carefully. Simmer for another 15–20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Ground beef meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8. Remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
9. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or fluffy white rice. Enjoy! 😋

Tip: For a thicker, richer stew, gently mash a few lima beans against the side of the pot and stir them back into the broth.