Lima Bean-Apple Casserole(14 Minutes; A Microwave Oven Recipe)
A quick and flavorful microwave casserole featuring tender lima beans, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts, ideal for a comforting, nutritious meal in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen baby lima beans ⓘ
- 1 medium apple, cored and chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dairy sour cream ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe 2-quart casserole, combine frozen lima beans, chopped apple, and water.
- Cover and cook on high power for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring twice, until beans are tender.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, flour, lemon peel, salt, nutmeg, and pepper to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked beans and apples, then top with chopped walnuts and additional apple slices if desired.
- Serve hot as a hearty side or light main dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more sour cream or mayonnaise. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream. To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds work well too. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover lima beans as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Lima Bean-Apple Casserole hot as a hearty side dish or a light main course. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey for a festive meal. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or as a part of a buffet spread featuring dishes like Green Beans With Cheese And Peppers.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent the beans from becoming mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lima Bean-Apple Casserole(14 Minutes; A Microwave Oven Recipe) contains roughly 274 calories, with 4g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1800mg per serving (78% 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 you will need to cook them longer to achieve tenderness. Fresh beans typically require about 15-20 minutes of cooking in the microwave, depending on their size and freshness. Be sure to adjust the water to prevent drying out.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise for the mayonnaise in this recipe. Both options will maintain the creaminess of the dish while providing a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the tanginess that yogurt may add.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking. Simply cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just pop it in the microwave for a quick and convenient meal. This makes it a perfect choice for meal prep or holiday gatherings.
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).