Herbed Lima Bean Bake
A creamy, flavorful baked lima bean dish with herbed stuffing and sour cream, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks with a savory, cheesy touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook lima beans as directed on the package.
- Cook onion in butter or oleo until soft.
- Add stuffing mix and water to the onion and cook briefly.
- Stir the mixture and set aside.
- Combine sour cream or yogurt with flour and water to make a sauce.
- Drain cooked lima beans.
- Add the sour cream or yogurt mixture to the lima beans and stir well.
- Mix in two-thirds of the stuffing mix and combine.
- Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining stuffing mix on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the onion while cooking. If you don't have herbed stuffing mix, plain stuffing can be enhanced with your favorite dried herbs. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy twist. This dish can easily be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside roasted chicken or a vegetarian main like Eggplant And Mushroom Casserole. Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Herbed Lima Bean Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the dish's crispy topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Lima Bean Bake contains roughly 357 calories, with 8g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein.
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. Typically, fresh lima beans should be boiled for about 5-10 minutes before using them in the recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are tender before mixing with other ingredients.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, consider mixing in cooked lentils or chickpeas. These legumes complement the lima beans nicely and add texture. Another option is to top the bake with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein source that aligns well with vegetarian recipes.
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).