Green Lima Bean Bake
A hearty casserole combining tender green lima beans, broccoli, and creamy mushroom sauce, topped with herb stuffing crumbs for a comforting, versatile dish suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the lima beans until almost done.
- Pour boiling water over the broccoli cuts and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Drain both the lima beans and broccoli.
- Mix the cooked vegetables with the dried onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, sliced water chestnuts, and sour cream.
- Place the mixture in a well-greased casserole dish.
- Top with herb stuffing crumbs and 2 tablespoons of oleo (melted butter).
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Cover and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you prefer fresh vegetables, you can substitute fresh broccoli for frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed. Additionally, to enhance flavor, sauté the water chestnuts with garlic before adding them to the mixture. This dish is versatile, and you can easily modify it to your taste, similar to how you might adapt recipes like Rice-Green Chili Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Lima Bean Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside other vegetarian recipes like Brussels Sprouts Casserole for a delicious spread. For added protein, complement the dish with grilled chicken or a hearty lentil salad. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can elevate the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, checking to ensure they are warmed evenly. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture when microwaving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Lima Bean Bake contains roughly 122 calories, with 5g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% 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, but they will require a longer cooking time. Boil them until tender before proceeding with the recipe. This can enhance the texture and flavor of your dish, making it even more delightful.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you're looking for alternatives, you can use homemade mushroom sauce, or even cream of chicken soup if not strictly vegetarian. Blending silken tofu with seasonings can also provide a dairy-free option that works well in this recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking to give it an extra kick, making it a more lively meal option.
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).