Western Lima Barbecue
A hearty Western-style lima bean casserole with smoky, tangy flavors, complemented by wieners; perfect for comforting family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups large dry lima beans ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons catsup ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 6 to 8 wieners ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak beans in 3 cups of water for 5 to 6 hours or overnight.
- Bring soaked beans to a boil, then turn heat low and simmer for 30 minutes, adding hot water if necessary.
- Fry diced onion and minced garlic in oil until golden.
- Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, dry mustard, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and catsup.
- Heat the mixture to boiling.
- Drain the cooked beans and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over the beans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 hours, adding hot bean juice as necessary.
- Score the wieners and press them into the sauce, spooning sauce over the top.
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, consider using canned lima beans instead of dry ones. You can also substitute the wieners with vegetarian options for a healthier twist. Experimenting with spices like smoked paprika or adding bell peppers can enhance the flavor. To thicken the sauce, you can mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water before adding it to the beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Western Lima Barbecue with a side of cornbread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Grandma Ammons' Pickled Beans And Corn, adding a tangy contrast to the sweet and savory flavors. For a fun twist, try it as a filling for baked potatoes or on top of nachos.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Western Lima Barbecue can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, checking to ensure it heats evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Western Lima Barbecue contains roughly 749 calories, with 3g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1378mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute large dry lima beans with other varieties such as navy beans or pinto beans. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. Each bean type will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the wieners and replace them with your favorite plant-based sausage or even mushrooms for a hearty texture. You can also enhance the flavor with additional herbs and spices to ensure a satisfying meal without meat.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beans and sauce the day before and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, combine them and bake as instructed. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for serving at gatherings without last-minute stress.
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).