Baked steak with lima beans is a highly valued traditional dish in various regions of Latin America, especially in countries like Mexico, Colombia, and some parts of Central America. Its origin dates back to the fusion of indigenous and European culinary techniques, where the use of beans and roasted or stewed meat combine to create a comforting and flavorful dish. In other Latin American countries, this dish may have different names or variations, such as "bistec con frijoles" in Mexico, or "carne horneada con frijoles" in some parts of Central America, although the essence and flavor remain similar.
Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are a popular legume for their soft texture and sweet flavor. This culinary dish offers a perfect balance between the protein from the meat and the nutritional richness of the beans, making it an ideal option for a family lunch or a hearty dinner. Cooking in a Dutch oven helps to intensify the flavors, allowing the meat to become tender and the beans to absorb all the seasonings and juices.
How to prepare baked steak and lima beans
To begin, rinse the lima beans and add them to a pot with 6 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 1 hour, without draining the water.
After resting, cover again and simmer for 30 minutes more. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain the bacon and reserve the fat left in the pot. Crumble the bacon and set it aside.
Coat the round steaks with flour and brown them in the hot bacon fat. Remove excess fat to prevent it from being too greasy. Add the lima beans along with the onion to the Dutch oven.
In a separate bowl, combine the tomato juice, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and dry mustard. Pour this mixture over the bean and meat combination in the Dutch oven.
Bake the dish covered in a preheated oven at 325°F (approximately 160°C) until the meat is tender, which will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Finally, serve hot and top with the reserved crumbled bacon and grated cheese to taste for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
