Baked Lima Beans In Tomato Sauce
Hearty baked lima beans in a rich tomato sauce with bacon and onions, perfect for comforting family dinners and hearty gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In large saucepan, combine the beans and 7 cups of water; bring to boiling.
- Boil gently for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 1 hour.
- Bring beans to boiling again.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until beans are just tender.
- Drain the beans, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking liquid.
- Cut 6 slices of bacon into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Saute the bacon lightly in a medium skillet.
- Add chopped onion and saute until the onion is tender and the bacon is browned.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, consider using homemade tomato sauce or a high-quality store-bought variety. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar umami flavor. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat. Soaking the lima beans overnight can reduce cooking time and improve texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked lima beans hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. They pair wonderfully with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a twist, try serving them alongside Colonel Punch for a delightful combination of flavors. This dish also works well as a hearty side on a barbecue plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to prevent sticking. For longer storage, consider freezing the beans in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Lima Beans In Tomato Sauce contains roughly 394 calories, with 8g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (64% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 canned lima beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned lima beans to save time. Rinse and drain them, then reduce the cooking time significantly, adding them to the sauce mixture and simmering just until heated through.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons or omit it altogether. Taste the sauce before baking and adjust according to your preference.
What can I serve with baked lima beans?
Baked lima beans pair well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving them with grilled meats, such as savory pork chops with rice, or as a side to a hearty salad. They also complement any hearty American recipes.
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).