Butterbeans are especially popular in the Southern United States and almost every Southerner has a favorite butterbean dish. In the Northern United States and Canada, however, the same beans are known as Fordhook lima beans, and seem to have a bad reputation with children and picky eaters. If cooked right, however, as in the following Bacon & Butterbeans, these beans may just become a favorite with everyone. Sometimes it is difficult to find Fordhook limas in grocery stores, but it’s okay to substitute baby lima beans (which, incidentally, are a separate variety of lima bean and aren’t really butterbeans); both varieties are equally delicious in this dish.

The idea for this butterbean recipe came because of a family favorite One-Pan Meatloaf Dinner, where meatloaf, potatoes, and vegetables cook together in an electric frying pan – the lima beans are sprinkled over the top, and many of them fall down in the butter and become crispy; over the years there have been a few arguments over who gets those crispy lima beans.

If you’re looking to expand your vegetable repertoire, this is a great one to add; you’ll be surprised how delicious these beans can be, no matter what you call them, but if there’s a picky eater in the house, calling them butterbeans may throw them off enough to get them to at least have a taste!

6 Servings

1/2 pound bacon, chopped

1 pound frozen butter beans, (also known as Fordhook lima beans) or substitute baby limas
1/2 cup chopped onion

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crisp.


2. Remove the bacon from the pan onto paper towels to drain.


3. Meanwhile, place the lima beans with 1/2 cup water in a microwaveable container; cover and microwave for 8-10 minutes or until the beans are tender.


4. Transfer to a colander to drain well.


5. Add the onion to the bacon drippings in the skillet; stir over medium-low heat for one minute.


6. Add the lima beans, stir to coat with the drippings, and let cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the beans are crispy.


7. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.


8. Stir in the bacon and serve.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 158 Calories from Fat 61
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 39% Protein 22% Carb. 39%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 7 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 11 mg
Sodium 252 mg
Total Carbohydrate 15 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 9 g

Vitamin A 3% Vitamin C 25% Calcium 0% Iron 7%