Lima Beans Recipe

This Southern Style Lima Beans Recipe is a simple side dish that’s certain to complement most any entrée. They’re super simple to make flavored with smoky bacon, onion and pantry seasonings all simmered together in a flavorful broth until the beans are buttery and soft.

Ingredients to Make Southern Lima Beans Recipe

What’s the difference between lima beans and butter beans? Surprisingly, there isn’t one, they’re actually the same legume, just known by different names and found in various sizes, colors, and varieties. The smaller green ones, often called baby limas like the ones used in this recipe, are tender and mild. In the South, though, the larger white version, commonly known as butter beans. is a favorite for its soft, creamy texture and rich, buttery flavor.

You might also hear them called butter peas, Madagascar beans, or even Dixie speckled butter pea lima beans (now that’s a mouthful!). No matter what name they go by, they all come from the same plant and are equally delicious. Regardless of what you call them, folks love them down here as much as collard greens and black-eyed peas cooked with ham hock. Whether in soups, stews, salads, or casseroles, lima beans add hearty flavor and comforting texture to any dish.

Checkout this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need to make simple Lima Beans with Bacon Recipe: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Lima Beans – Two pounds frozen baby lima beans or butter beans.
• Bacon – Classic bacon adds a smoky flavor.
• Onion – Diced sweet onion or yellow onion complements the beans.
• Cooking Liquid – Water and chicken base i.e. Better Than Bouillon or similar adds flavor to the beans while cooking.
• Seasonings – Black pepper, granulated garlic and onion powder.

How to Make the Best Southern Lima Beans Recipe

• Fry the Bacon – Cook bacon over medium high heat. Cook until bacon has rendered and browned. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate or platter and chop.
• Sauté Onion – Add diced onion to drippings, cook until softened and beginning to brown.
• Liquid – Dissolve chicken base in water. Add to the pot.
• Add Lima Beans and Seasonings -Add lima beans, black pepper, granulated garlic and onion powder. Stir to combine.
• Simmer Covered – Bring to a boil then immediately lower heat to low and simmer covered per the cook time recipe. Add additional water, if needed to completely cover the beans.
• Serve – Add bacon back to the beans and serve.
• Cook Uncovered – Uncover the beans to see if they’re tender. Cook uncovered just until the stock has reduced and thickened slightly.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need to Make Lima Beans with Bacon

• A large saucepan or Dutch oven with a lid.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Sharp knife and chopping board to prep the onion.
• A large slotted spoon for serving.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Beans – You can use fresh shelled lima beans or frozen baby lima beans for this recipe. There’s no need to thaw frozen lima beans prior to adding them to the pot. Should you choose to go with a larger butter bean, they will naturally swell more than a small baby lima bean so adjust the amount of liquid to accommodate.
• Liquid – I prefer to use chicken base and water mixture to amp up the flavor of the cooking liquid. You could use plain water, chicken broth or chicken stock, instead
• Use Adequate Cooking Liquid – When covering the beans with water, the amount can vary depending on the size of the pot used. Rule of thumb is, the beans should be covered with 1/2-1 inch of liquid for cooking.
• Salt – The chicken base will have ample salt to season the lima beans. You can taste and adjust the salt to your preference.
• Herbs – You could add fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme or chives to change the flavor profile.
• Protein – You can add 4 ounces of cubed ham to the pot in place of bacon or in addition to the bacon. If you have a small ham bone, smoked chicken wings or any smoked meat, would add flavor as well.
• Uses – You could turn any leftovers into Easy Southern Succotash with corn, tomatoes and okra.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover cooked Lima Beans in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.
• Freezing – Freeze leftover lima beans for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

Dishes to Serve with Lima Beans

• As you can see in the image, we love lima beans ladled over a piece of hot buttered Crackling Cornbread or Cornbread Muffins.
• They would make a terrific option alongside this easy recipe for Lemon Rosemary Roast Chicken.
• Lima beans are a yummy side dish to serve with Southern Meatloaf.
• Serve lima beans as a side dish at the holidays along with your Oven Roasted Turkey or Brown Sugar Bourbon Pineapple Ham.
• Individual Turkey Meatloaf Muffins topped with mashed potatoes.
• Serve it with Skillet Ham and Cheddar Cornbread for a complete meal.
• Fried Chicken Livers from Deep South Dish.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Dutch Oven
• Kitchen Utensils
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Set