Grandma'S Baked Lima Beans
Sweet and savory baked lima beans with ham and brown sugar, offering rich flavors perfect for family dinners and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook dry lima beans with cooked ham until almost done.
- Combine with brown sugar and catsup.
- Bake the mixture for 45 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the dry lima beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture. If you prefer a smoky flavor, consider adding some diced bacon or using smoked ham instead of regular cooked ham. Adjust the brown sugar and catsup based on your desired sweetness and tanginess, as personal tastes can vary. This recipe pairs beautifully with Delicious Pea Salad for a refreshing side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma's Baked Lima Beans as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats like Grilled Ham Steaks With Apricot Glaze, or as a comforting main course with cornbread. Consider adding a green salad for a balanced meal. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks and is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the baked lima beans in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, or you can microwave in short increments, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Baked Lima Beans contains roughly 625 calories, with 6g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), potassium (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1219mg per serving (53% 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 canned lima beans instead of dry ones?
Yes, you can use canned lima beans for convenience. Drain and rinse them before adding to the mixture, and reduce the baking time to about 15-20 minutes just to heat through and blend the flavors.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses for a similar flavor. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup can work as natural sweeteners, but adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor. You can also use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the beans for added depth.
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).