Tomato Lima Bake
Savory baked bowl of smoky bacon, sweet onion, creamy tomato soup and hearty lima beans, finished with buttery crumbs. Comfort: hearty, family-friendly, quick, satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crispy, then set aside.
- Brown chopped onion in the bacon drippings until translucent.
- Combine the cooked bacon, browned onion, canned tomato soup, and drained cooked lima beans in a bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a 1½-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the top with buttered breadcrumbs.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, use pre-cooked bacon or turkey bacon for a lighter option. You can substitute fresh tomatoes for the canned tomato soup by blending them with some broth and seasoning. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, replace the bacon with smoked paprika for a similar flavor. Adding shredded cheese on top before baking can also enhance the dish's richness.
Serving Suggestions
This Tomato Lima Bake pairs beautifully with Dina'S Spinach Salad for a fresh contrast. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce. It also works well as a side dish for grilled meats or as a hearty main for a casual gathering. Consider a light dessert to balance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but the texture may not be as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Lima Bake contains roughly 361 calories, with 10g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 465mg per serving (20% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Tomato Lima Bake a day in advance. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight, then bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of lima beans?
If lima beans aren't available, you can substitute them with canned cannellini beans or even chickpeas for a different texture. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the mixture for the best flavor.
Is it possible to add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just sauté them with the onions until they're tender before combining with the other ingredients.
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).