Mrs. Joan Pepper'S Lima Bean Casserole
A creamy, savory lima bean casserole with water chestnuts and peas, topped with buttery crackers, ideal as a comforting side dish for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (5 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) can French-cut green beans, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen lima beans, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 (17 oz) can English peas, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup round butter crackers ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and mayonnaise in a bowl.
- Stir in water chestnuts, cooked green beans, lima beans, and English peas until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle round butter crackers evenly over the top.
- Cover the casserole with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce for a different twist. If you prefer a crunchier topping, you can use crushed potato chips instead of round butter crackers. Make sure to drain the vegetables well to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery. This dish can also be made a day in advance; just bake it right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This lima bean casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. It can also be served alongside grilled chicken or fish for a hearty dinner. For a cozy family gathering, consider making Aunt Liza Ellen'S Cookies for dessert to round out the meal perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lima bean casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will keep the topping crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Joan Pepper'S Lima Bean Casserole contains roughly 1161 calories, with 15g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (76% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1503mg per serving (65% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or a lid. When ready to bake, increase the baking time slightly to ensure it's heated through.
Can I use fresh lima beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh lima beans, make sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the casserole. Fresh beans will provide a slightly different texture and flavor, making the dish even more delightful.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used in place of mayonnaise for a tangy flavor. You can also use a vegan mayonnaise if you want to keep this vegetarian recipe dairy-free. Both options will still yield a creamy consistency.
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).