Baked Franks And Limas
A hearty baked dish featuring tender lima beans, savory frankfurters, and a creamy tomato sauce topped with crunchy bread crumbs, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 (10 oz.) packages frozen limas ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shortening or salad oil ⓘ
- 2 (10 1/2 oz.) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb. 12 oz.) cans broken up tomatoes with liquid ⓘ
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 lb. frankfurters ⓘ
- 1 cup fine bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. melted butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook lima beans according to package directions in unsalted water; drain.
- In a Dutch oven, cook chopped onion and chopped celery in shortening until tender, but not brown.
- Stir in condensed cream of mushroom soup.
- Reserving 1 cup of tomato liquid, add remaining tomatoes with liquid to the soup mixture.
- Mix flour with the reserved 1 cup of tomato liquid; add to the mixture and cook, stirring until thickened and bubbling.
- Thinly slice the frankfurters.
- Divide the lima beans and sliced frankfurters evenly between two 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dishes.
- Pour half of the tomato mixture over each dish and mix gently.
- Combine bread crumbs and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over each dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until hot.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic or bell peppers when cooking the onion and celery. For a lighter version, substitute turkey or chicken franks for traditional frankfurters. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the franks with plant-based sausage. Using fresh limas instead of frozen will yield a more vibrant dish but may require additional cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing dessert like Yogurt Popsicles to balance the meal. For a heartier option, a side of roasted vegetables can complement the flavors. Enjoy it as a comforting family dinner or at gatherings where American recipes shine.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the baked franks and limas cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Franks And Limas contains roughly 212 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 15g fat.
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 fresh lima beans instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh lima beans, but they will require longer cooking times than frozen. Make sure to adjust the cooking process accordingly to ensure they are tender before mixing them with the other ingredients.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Additionally, ensure that your cream of mushroom soup and bread crumbs are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
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).