These Slow Cooker Lima Beans transform dried lima beans into a comforting, flavorful dish by simmering them with diced ham, onion, simple seasonings, and rich chicken broth. Enjoy a small bowl on its own or serve them alongside your favorite main course.
They pair perfectly with dishes like Salisbury steak meatballs or a spiced jerk chicken for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Why You Should Cook Lima Beans in a Crock Pot
Before slow cookers became common, beans were typically simmered for hours on the stove. A crock pot makes the process much easier: you can simply add the ingredients, set the timer, and let the beans cook slowly without constant attention. This recipe doesn’t require soaking the beans overnight, and a handful of pantry staples give the dish great depth of flavor.
This lima bean and ham combination is hearty, family-friendly, and likely to become your go-to method for cooking dried beans. For a different variety, consider trying slow cooker pinto beans.
Recipe Ingredients
- Dried lima beans: Use large lima beans; no pre-soak required.
- Yellow onion: 1 small, diced.
- Diced ham: About 2 cups. A ham hock can be used for extra smoky flavor.
- Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The ham and broth provide most of the salt, so season sparingly at first.
- Chicken broth: 6 cups to cook and flavor the beans. You can substitute chicken stock, beef broth, or vegetable broth if desired.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step One – Place the dried lima beans, diced onion, diced ham, and dry seasonings into the slow cooker.
Step Two – Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine everything evenly.
Step Three – Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 hours. Stir, taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve.
How to Serve
- Serve as a side with barbecue ribs, fried chicken, or grilled chicken.
- Add coleslaw and hot water cornbread for a Southern-style plate, or balance the meal with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Toppings that work well include grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, crispy fried onions, or sliced green onions.
- This dish is substantial enough to be served as a main course too—especially when paired with crusty bread or cornbread.
Recipe FAQs
Allow the beans to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Yes. After cooling, put the beans in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Absolutely. Common additions include bacon, smoked sausage, garlic, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, celery, herbs like thyme or rosemary, and spices such as paprika or creole seasoning.
Yes. Smoked turkey wings or necks, a ham hock, or other smoked meats make excellent substitutes and will add a similar smoky flavor.
Slow Cooker Lima Beans
Equipment
- Slow cooker (6 quart or larger recommended)
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dried lima beans (no need to soak)
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Add the dried lima beans to the slow cooker.
- Add the ham, onion, and seasonings.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Cook on HIGH for 5 hours. Stir and serve.
Notes
- To freeze, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Store refrigerated leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Substitute ham with a ham hock, smoked turkey wings, or smoked sausage for a different smoky profile.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 52 g |
Protein: 25 g |
Fat: 2 g
Nutrition info is an estimate. If you follow a special diet, please calculate nutrition using your preferred method.
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More Slow Cooker Beans Recipes
Pinto beans and ham, slow cooker black beans, red beans and rice, baked beans, and cowboy beans are all great options when you want easy, flavorful, crowd-pleasing sides or mains made in the slow cooker.