Barbecue Lima Beans
A smoky, savory baked lima beans dish with crispy bacon, sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for casual family dinners or gatherings. Rich flavors with a comforting appeal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp.
- Remove bacon from skillet and crumble, setting aside half.
- Leave 2 to 3 tablespoons bacon grease in the skillet.
- Fry chopped onion in the bacon grease until translucent.
- Add flour to the onion and cook briefly to thicken.
- Stir in tomato soup and mix well.
- Add vinegar, sugar, and garlic salt to the sauce.
- Gradually add water to create a medium-thick sauce.
- Crumble and add half of the bacon into the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over cooked and drained lima beans in a greased 2-quart casserole.
- Mix the beans and sauce lightly to combine.
- Top with the remaining crumbled bacon.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 30 minutes, covering until the last 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, substitute bacon with olive oil or butter and use vegetable broth instead of water. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you have leftover cooked lima beans, they can also be used for this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot as a delightful side to grilled meats or as a main dish with cornbread. It pairs beautifully with Cheesy-Topped Chops or can be complemented with a fresh salad like Mildred's Salad. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For a crisp topping, consider reheating in an oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Lima Beans contains roughly 219 calories, with 6g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% 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 frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh lima beans; just make sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the dish. Fresh beans may require a bit more time to cook compared to frozen ones, so adjust accordingly.
What can I substitute for tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can blend canned tomatoes with some seasoning, or use marinara sauce as a substitute. Both options will provide a similar flavor profile for the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the sauce. This will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
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).