Old-Fashioned Lima Bean Casserole
A comforting old-fashioned casserole featuring tender lima beans, savory vegetables, and crispy bacon, perfect for family dinners and hearty gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook lima beans in a microwave-safe dish, covered, with 1/2 cup water on High power for about 4 minutes.
- Drain and reserve the liquid.
- In another microwave-safe dish, combine red onion, red pepper, green onion, and the reserved lima bean liquid.
- Cover and microwave on High power for 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked lima beans to the vegetable mixture.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Dijon-style mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs on top and crumble cooked bacon over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through and topped with a golden crust.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack to the mixture before baking. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of the reserved bean liquid. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also enhance the flavor profile. If you're short on time, canned lima beans can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
This Old-Fashioned Lima Bean Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a comforting meal. It can serve as a hearty side dish at barbecues or potlucks, complementing dishes like Peachy Barbecued Pork Chops. For added flavor, consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
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 (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, covering them to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Lima Bean Casserole contains roughly 274 calories, with 13g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1506mg 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 use fresh lima beans instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh lima beans! Just ensure they are cooked until tender before adding them to the casserole. Fresh beans may require more cooking time, usually around 15-20 minutes, so adjust accordingly to achieve the desired texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the casserole gluten-free, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version or make your own using cornstarch or gluten-free flour. Also, ensure that the seasoned bread crumbs are gluten-free or replace them with crushed gluten-free crackers or nuts for a crunchy topping.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. If baking from the fridge, you may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes to ensure it's heated through completely.
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).