Homestead Lima Bean and Bacon Casserole

Delight in the comforting flavors of a rustic *Homestead Lima Bean and Bacon Casserole*, a hearty dish that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This recipe combines tender lima beans with crispy, smoky bacon and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, all topped with golden, buttery panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. Featuring a simple roux-based sauce and sautéed onions and garlic for added flavor depth, this casserole is both nostalgic and indulgent. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy-to-prepare casserole that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a warm slice of bread. Whether you’re a longtime lima bean lover or looking for a fresh way to enjoy a classic ingredient, this casserole is sure to become a favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 cups lima beans (frozen or fresh)
• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups milk
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.75 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the lima beans for 5-7 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat.

Step 5

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 6

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to ensure there are no lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring, until the mixture thickens.

Step 7

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lima beans, sautéed onion and garlic, cooked bacon, and the cheese sauce. Mix until evenly coated.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 10

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Step 12

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1375.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2347.4

Total Fat 123.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 57.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 313.9mg	0%
Sodium 3876.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 192.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.7g	0%
Total Sugars 34.3g
Protein 128.3g	0%

Vitamin D 185.0IU	0%
Calcium 1531.8mg	0%
Iron 16.9mg	0%
Potassium 4213.7mg	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: 46.4%

Protein: 21.5%

Carbs: 32.2%