Baked Lima Beans
Baked Lima Beans offer a hearty, sweet-savory flavor profile with tender beans infused with molasses, brown sugar, and smoky bacon. Perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks, this dish combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture that appeals to those who enjoy slow-cooked, flavorful beans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the dried lima beans overnight and rinse them.
- Cover the beans with cold water and bring to a boil.
- Boil for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Use a large casserole or bean pot for baking.
- Place half an onion in the bottom of the casserole.
- Put the beans in the casserole, then add bacon slices rolled and placed in the beans.
- Mix remaining ingredients (brown sugar, molasses, hot water, dry mustard, salt) to cover the beans, adding water if needed.
- Place strips of bacon on top of the beans.
- Cover with catsup and bake at 300°F for at least 2 hours.
- Add water if the beans become dry during baking.
- The dish can be baked longer if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the lima beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly. If you prefer a sweeter dish, consider adding a bit more brown sugar or molasses. You can substitute the bacon with smoked turkey or vegetarian bacon for a lighter option. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar can enhance the flavor profile. Make sure to stir occasionally during baking to keep the beans moist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked lima beans as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or barbecued chicken. They pair beautifully with Ann'S Pork Chops or can be enjoyed with a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a comforting family dinner, consider serving with cornbread or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the baked lima beans to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Lima Beans contains roughly 310 calories, with 9g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2164mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
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 dried?
Yes, you can use fresh lima beans, but they will require less cooking time. Fresh beans generally take about 30-40 minutes to cook until tender, so adjust your boiling and baking times accordingly.
What can I substitute for molasses?
If you don't have molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, keeping in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly. Brown sugar mixed with a small amount of water can also work in a pinch.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water. To add depth of flavor, consider incorporating smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky taste.
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).