When you have lima bean recipes as good as these, who wouldn’t like them?
Lima beans get a bad rap, and as someone who likes them, I’ve never been sure why that is.
Personally, I think those people have just never had them cooked the right way.
If you’re already a fan, then you’ll appreciate all of these 13 lima bean recipes.
If you’re not sold, I recommend trying the lima bean skillet or the lima bean pesto hummus.
Of course, simple southern lima beans are also delicious.
No matter what you pick, I think you’ll be surprised by how versatile lima beans really are.
Easy Southern Lima Beans and More!
1. Simple Southern Lima Beans
Whether you call them lima beans or butter beans, this recipe will give you the creamiest, most flavorful version of them possible.
You’ll need a well-stocked spice cabinet, smoked ham, and plenty of chicken stock.
Throw in the holy trio of stew veggies (onion, celery, and carrot) and these beans are to die for.
They’re a smooth, somewhat salty treat that tastes fantastic alongside a hot pone of cornbread.
2. Greek-Style Baked Lima Beans
This recipe for lima beans makes them just as creamy and delicious, but the flavor of the beans takes a backseat to the diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
In fact, these are probably the most tomato-flavored beans you’ll ever taste, but that’s not to say they aren’t good.
They have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and pair exceptionally well with a roast and other pork- or beef-based proteins.
3. Lima Bean Skillet
It takes about 45 minutes to whip up this tasty, chunky lima bean skillet dinner, and it has everything you could want all rolled into a single skillet.
The beans, onions, peppers, okra, tomatoes, and corn provide plenty of fresh-tasting veggies, while the pound of ground beef gives you a ton of protein.
The sauces and herbs round out the already robust flavor, giving you a hearty, complete meal that’ll warm your belly on even the coldest nights.
4. Homemade Veggie Burgers With Lima Beans
When it comes to vegan burgers, black beans are probably my favorite base; however, lima beans are a close second.
The taste is a little milder, but they’re so juicy.
Plus, you can always spice up the flavor with herbs, seasonings, and toppings.
So if you’re in the mood for a vegan burger that’s almost as juicy as the real thing, give these patties a try.
5. Lima Bean and Potato Enchiladas With Hatch Green Chili Sauce
These yummy enchiladas are supremely cheesy, just a touch spicy, and vegetarian-friendly.
But don’t read “vegetarian-friendly” as “will leave you starving an hour after eating them.” They’re packed with russet potatoes, lima beans, and more.
Between the protein and carbs, you won’t need to eat again anytime soon.
6. Pasta With Greens and Lima Beans
Even novice cooks can whip up this 30-minute “greens and beans” pasta without any difficulty.
The orzo is soft and fluffy, and the overall taste is bright and zesty.
Overflowing with kale, spinach, lima beans, parsley, and other ingredients, it’s also surprisingly healthy!
The lemon zest gives it a bit of tanginess, and the walnuts add some contrasting crunch.
7. Spaghetti With Turkey Meat Sauce and Lima Beans
If you’re looking for a way to add more lima beans into your diet but don’t necessarily want to taste them, this spaghetti with meat sauce is an excellent recipe for that.
It tastes like spaghetti – meat, tomatoes, noodles, and herbs; you won’t even know the lima beans are there.
The noodles are buttery, and the sauce is flavorful. It’s a typical spaghetti dinner.
8. Asparagus and Lima Bean Pasta Salad
It shouldn’t take you longer than 20 minutes to whip up this delectable pasta salad.
If you’re in the mood for something with plenty of robust flavor, this one will be a hit.
The asparagus, onions, and bell peppers retain a bit of their crunchiness, while the pasta, beans, and sauce are soft and creamy.
There are also many contrasting (but somehow complementary) flavors to delight your tastebuds.
You’ll get notes of garlic, lemon, asparagus, tomatoes, tahini, dill, and more.
9. Baby Lima Bean Soup
Baby lima bean soup is fantastic if you’re looking for a light, tomato-based soup full of veggies.
It’s well-seasoned and perfectly salty, and you can make it vegetarian-friendly by leaving out the pancetta and substituting vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
10. Lima Bean Salad
If you need a quick and easy side dish, it’s hard to beat this 20-minute, seven-ingredient lima bean salad.
All you’ll need are sweet potatoes, olive oil, garlic, lima beans, burrata cheese, parsley, and lemon juice.
(You can add a bit of salt and pepper to suit your tastes, as well.)
11. Lima Bean Succotash With Garlic-Rosemary Dressing
I can’t make succotash without thinking of Looney Tunes’ Sylvester the cat. “Thufferin’ Thuccotash!”
As such, I always have a smile on my face when making this simple, gluten-free side dish.
It’s full of garden-fresh veggies, and the garlic-rosemary dressing is out of this world.
And if you’re wondering what to serve with succotash, try it with grilled shrimp!
12. Lima Bean Pesto Hummus
Green hummus may take a little getting used to, but after one bite of this smooth and creamy, flavorful hummus, you’ll get on board.
Honestly, it tastes almost precisely like any chickpea-based hummus, but the flavor is lighter and a bit zestier.
While I’m a traditionalist and favor chickpea hummus, many people I know actually prefer this version to the “regular” stuff.
13. Mediterranean Lima Beans with Herbed Almond Pesto
How great does this last dish look?
It’s like a lima bean bake, with garlicky beans, a dreamy pesto sauce, and finished with tomatoes, feta, spinach, and breadcrumbs.
You can add pasta, if you want it more filling. But it’s pretty hearty as is.
13 Ways to Use Fresh Lima Beans
These lima bean recipes will give you a new appreciation for the legume! From burgers to enchiladas to pasta, lima beans are a wonderful addition to many dishes.
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a lima bean recipe in 30 minutes or less!
