Baked Lima Beans Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals

Lima beans, also known as butter beans, have a creamy texture and mild flavor that make them perfect for hearty, comforting dishes. Baked lima beans recipes bring out their natural sweetness and allow them to soak up rich, savory seasonings.

Whether you’re looking for a classic Southern-style baked lima beans dish or a more modern, vegan-friendly casserole, these recipes will warm your soul and satisfy your appetite.

In this post, we’ll explore several delicious baked lima beans recipes that are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. From smoky bacon-infused versions to herby vegan options, these dishes are perfect as side dishes or main courses.

You’ll learn how to achieve tender, perfectly baked lima beans with a crispy topping and plenty of seasoning. Let’s dive in and discover why baked lima beans should be a staple in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked lima beans are a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious, protein-rich legume that’s both filling and flavorful. These recipes are versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients based on your dietary preferences, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a meat lover.

The slow baking process enhances the beans’ creamy texture and lets the spices, herbs, and other ingredients meld beautifully.

Additionally, lima beans are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any meal. Baking them with fresh veggies, herbs, and a touch of spice creates comforting dishes that can stand alone or complement your favorite mains.

Plus, baked lima beans are easy to prepare ahead of time, ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried lima beans, soaked overnight and drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Optional: 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (for non-vegetarian version)

Equipment

• Large bowl for soaking beans
• Large saucepan or pot for initial cooking
• Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Oven

Instructions

1. Soak the dried lima beans overnight: Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
2. Pre-cook the lima beans: In a large saucepan, combine the soaked beans and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until beans are just tender but not falling apart. Drain excess liquid, reserving a little for baking if needed.
3. Prepare the vegetable base: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, diced bell peppers, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add spices and tomatoes: Stir in smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, salt, maple syrup (or sugar), cayenne pepper, and diced tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Combine beans and vegetable mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pre-cooked lima beans with the sautéed vegetables and spices. Mix gently but thoroughly.
6. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the lima bean mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of reserved bean cooking liquid or broth.
7. Add breadcrumb topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top. For extra flavor, drizzle a little olive oil or melted vegan butter over the breadcrumbs to help them brown nicely.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the lima beans uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy, and the beans are bubbly.
9. Optional bacon addition: For a non-vegetarian twist, sprinkle cooked and crumbled bacon over the top before serving.
10. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

“For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk or vegan cream just before baking.”

• Vegan option: Skip bacon and use vegetable broth. Add nutritional yeast to the topping for a cheesy flavor.
• Smoky twist: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for extra depth.
• Spicy version: Increase cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños to the vegetable mix.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added for a fresh herbal aroma.
• Make it a casserole: Mix in cooked diced potatoes or carrots for a heartier dish.
• Use canned lima beans: Rinse and drain 3 cans of lima beans as a shortcut, reducing baking time to 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Baked lima beans are wonderfully versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a light, nutritious meal.

They also make a great side dish to roasted or grilled meats and vegan protein alternatives.

For a Southern-inspired feast, accompany this dish with cornbread and collard greens. Alternatively, spoon the baked lima beans over steamed rice or quinoa for a filling vegan main course.

If you enjoy exploring plant-based meals, check out our Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals for more inspiration. For a quick and tasty snack, you might like our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

And if you want to try something refreshing alongside, don’t miss the A Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe to Refresh Your Summer Meals.

Baked Lima Beans Recipes Listicle

Classic Southern Baked Lima Beans

A traditional recipe featuring lima beans baked with smoked bacon, onions, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar. This dish offers the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.

It’s ideal for holiday dinners or Sunday family meals.

Vegan Herbed Baked Lima Beans

This plant-based version uses olive oil, smoked paprika, thyme, and fresh herbs to create a flavorful and healthy casserole. Nutritional yeast adds umami without dairy.

Great for those seeking comfort food without animal products.

Spicy Tomato Baked Lima Beans

For those who love heat, this recipe incorporates diced tomatoes, jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. The beans bake in a spicy tomato sauce with a crunchy breadcrumb topping for texture and flavor contrast.

Creamy Coconut Baked Lima Beans

A tropical twist on the classic, this recipe includes coconut milk and curry powder, creating a creamy, mildly spiced dish. It’s perfect served with rice or flatbreads.

Baked Lima Beans with Roasted Vegetables

Roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers are mixed with lima beans and baked together for a colorful, hearty casserole. This recipe doubles as a main dish and side.

Conclusion

Baked lima beans are a truly comforting dish that combines nutrition, flavor, and ease of preparation. Whether you prefer the classic Southern style with bacon or a vegan herbed casserole, these recipes offer a variety of ways to enjoy this versatile legume.

The slow baking process brings out a rich, creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with many meal accompaniments.

Incorporating lima beans into your meals not only boosts protein and fiber intake but also adds a satisfying warmth to your dining table. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to find your perfect baked lima beans recipe.

Don’t forget to explore other tasty plant-based recipes on our site, such as Baked Low Carb Vegan Quesadilla Recipe for Easy Meals or Best Vegan Cheese Scone Recipe for Fluffy, Tasty Bakes for more delicious ideas.

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