Betty Crocker 1950s Savory Lima Beans

Step back in time with Betty Crocker's classic 1950s Savory Lima Beans recipe—a hearty, flavorful dish that’s both nostalgic and delicious. Tender lima beans are simmered and coated in a rich, velvety sauce made from smoky bacon drippings, sautéed onions, and a tangy-sweet blend of brown sugar, vinegar, and dry mustard. The creamy roux-based sauce ties everything together, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors in every bite. This vintage comfort food is easy to prepare in under an hour and is ideal as a side dish for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners. Serve these savory lima beans warm and let the timeless taste transport you to simpler days. Perfect for retro recipe enthusiasts and lovers of classic American cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 cups lima beans, fresh or frozen
• 4 cups water
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup water (for sauce)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lima beans under running water to clean them. If using fresh lima beans, shell them first.

Step 2

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the lima beans and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.

Step 4

In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the finely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and stir well to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 6

Gradually add 1 cup of water to the skillet, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce.

Step 7

Stir in the brown sugar, vinegar, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 8

Add the cooked lima beans and crispy bacon to the sauce in the skillet. Stir gently to coat the beans in the sauce, being careful not to break them.

Step 9

Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Transfer the savory lima beans to a serving dish and serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2239.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1585.9

Total Fat 51.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 131.8mg	0%
Sodium 2425.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 194.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 58.9g	0%
Total Sugars 25.7g
Protein 88.3g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 386.0mg	0%
Iron 19.4mg	0%
Potassium 4307.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.2%

Protein: 22.1%

Carbs: 48.7%