Broccoli Lima Bake
A hearty baked casserole combining tender broccoli, lima beans, creamy mushroom sauce, crunchy rice topping, and sliced water chestnuts for a flavorful family-friendly dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped broccoli and frozen lima beans until crispy tender.
- In a bowl, blend together the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and dried onion soup mix.
- Fold the blended sauce into the cooked vegetables and pour the mixture into a buttered baking dish.
- Push the sliced water chestnuts down into the mixture edgewise.
- Top the casserole with Rice Krispies that have been browned in butter.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you prefer a vegetarian version, ensure the cream of mushroom soup is meat-free. To enhance flavor, add some garlic powder or grated cheese to the mixture. Browning the Rice Krispies in butter adds a delightful crunch and richness, making this dish reminiscent of other comforting American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Lima Bake is perfect as a hearty side dish or a light main course. Pair it with a fresh green salad or serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For a delightful dessert, consider following with a slice of Mississippi Mud Cake (Microwave) to round out the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Lima Bake contains roughly 840 calories, with 9g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 733mg per serving (32% 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 broccoli and lima beans instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables! Just steam the broccoli and lima beans until they're al dente before incorporating them into the recipe. This will ensure they retain their vibrant color and crunch in the final dish.
What can I substitute for Rice Krispies?
If you don't have Rice Krispies, you can use crushed corn flakes or panko breadcrumbs for a similar crunchy topping. Just be sure to brown them in butter to achieve that delicious flavor and texture.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make the Broccoli Lima Bake healthier, consider using low-fat versions of sour cream and cream of mushroom soup. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and flavor without significantly altering the recipe.
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).