Amish Baked Lima Beans Recipe for Authentic Comfort Food

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that brings a touch of traditional Americana to your dinner table, Amish baked lima beans are a must-try. This timeless recipe is steeped in simplicity and wholesome flavors, capturing the essence of Amish cooking with slow-cooked beans, smoky seasonings, and a hint of sweetness.

Perfect as a side or a main, these baked lima beans are not only satisfying but also packed with nutrition and soul-soothing warmth. Whether you’re new to cooking beans or a seasoned pro, this recipe will guide you through every step to create a delicious casserole that feels like a warm hug from the heartland.

Amish baked lima beans are a great dish to prepare ahead of time and let the oven do the rest, making them ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. Plus, they pair beautifully with a variety of dishes, from roasted vegetables to fresh salads.

Ready to enjoy a taste of Amish tradition? Let’s dive into why this recipe is a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Amish baked lima beans recipe is a classic for a reason. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe collection:

• Simple ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand.
• Rich flavor: The combination of smoky bacon, brown sugar, and tangy tomato sauce creates a mouthwatering balance.
• Hearty and filling: Lima beans provide a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when ready.
• Versatile side dish: Pairs well with BBQ, roasted meats, or even a fresh salad.

If you enjoy recipes that are both comforting and nutritious, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried lima beans (or 4 cups fresh/frozen lima beans)
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups water
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a little heat

Equipment

• Large bowl for soaking beans
• Colander for draining
• Large pot for boiling beans
• Mixing bowl for combining sauce ingredients
• 9×13 inch baking dish or similar casserole dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Oven preheated to 325°F (163°C)

Instructions

1. Soak the beans: Place the dried lima beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften.
2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking.
3. Cook the beans: Drain the soaked beans and rinse well. Transfer to a large pot and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until beans are just tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
4. Cook the bacon and onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. In the bacon fat left in the skillet, sauté the chopped onion until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
5. Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, yellow mustard, black pepper, salt, and water. Mix well until smooth.
6. Combine all ingredients: In your baking dish, add the cooked lima beans, crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and the sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat the beans evenly.
7. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir once halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. The sauce should thicken and beans become tender.
8. Finish and serve: Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly on top. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For a vegetarian twist, skip the bacon and use smoked paprika to add a smoky flavor. You can also swap ketchup for tomato sauce or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang.”

• Quick version: Use canned lima beans (about 4 cups drained) and reduce baking time to 45 minutes.
• Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Sweeten it up: Increase brown sugar slightly or add a tablespoon of molasses for richer sweetness.
• Batch cook: This recipe freezes well. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Try smoked sausage: Instead of bacon, add sliced smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts

This recipe offers a balanced mix of macronutrients with an excellent fiber boost, making it both filling and heart-healthy.

Serving Suggestions

Amish baked lima beans are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside your favorite roasted meats or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

They also complement a simple green salad or coleslaw perfectly, adding a hearty contrast to fresh, crisp flavors.

For a lighter option, pair this dish with our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas. Looking for a comforting soup to start your meal?

Try the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food to complement the beans beautifully.

Conclusion

Amish baked lima beans are a wonderful example of how simple ingredients and slow cooking can create a deeply satisfying dish. This recipe is easy to follow, wholesome, and packed with rich, smoky-sweet flavors that bring warmth to any table.

Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a potluck dish, these beans are sure to be a hit.

With the flexibility to customize seasonings and the option to make it vegetarian-friendly, this recipe suits many dietary preferences. Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

Don’t forget to explore more comforting and healthy recipes like our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the flavorful Barbecue Beans Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Meal Idea for added inspiration in your kitchen.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Amish Baked Lima Beans”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender lima beans baked with smoky bacon and a touch of sweetness. Perfect as a side or main dish for family gatherings.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT2H30M”, “totalTime”: “PT2H45M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups dried lima beans, soaked overnight and drained”, “6 slices bacon, chopped”, “1 medium onion, chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/4 cup molasses”, “1/4 cup brown sugar”, “1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar”, “1 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “4 cups water”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 325\u00b0F (165\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic to bacon fat; saut\u00e9 until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large baking dish, combine soaked lima beans, bacon, onion, garlic, molasses, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour water over the mixture and stir to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover the dish tightly with foil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours until beans are tender, stirring halfway through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to thicken sauce.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool slightly before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “15 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “35 g”}}