Baked Limas With Tomato Sauce
A hearty baked lima beans dish with smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook baby lima beans in water until tender.
- Drain and pour the cooked beans into a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Cook chopped bacon until it begins to brown.
- Add chopped celery, onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the bacon.
- Cook until the vegetables are tender and the bacon is crisp.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and sugar into the mixture.
- Pour the sauce over the lima beans and stir gently.
- Cover the casserole and bake in a 300°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce. If you don't have baby lima beans, you can substitute with navy beans or cannellini beans. Fresh tomatoes can be used in place of canned, just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly. For an extra kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the vegetable mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked limas as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad. They pair beautifully with Aunt Linda'S Baked Beans for a comforting meal. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness. This dish also works well for potlucks and gatherings, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beans in a baking dish and cover with foil. Warm in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Limas With Tomato Sauce contains roughly 250 calories, with 14g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 7g 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
How do I know when the lima beans are done cooking?
Lima beans are done when they are tender and can be easily mashed with a fork. Cooking time may vary based on the size of the beans and the method used. If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until soft; if using canned, just heat through.
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).