Southern Lima Butter Beans

These lima beans are cooked in the slow cooker with smoked turkey and spices until they are super tender! This recipe is practically foolproof!

Table of Contents

1. How to Make Southern Lima Butter Beans
2. Check Out My Southern Lima Butter Beans Video Tutorial, and Print the Recipe Below!
3. Southern Lima Butter Beans

Hey y’all! Grab a seat and get cozy, because today we’re diving into a dish that’s close to my heart and just bursting with down-home comfort: Southern Lima Butter Beans. Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Beans, really?” But trust me, these aren’t just any beans. These are creamy, melt-in-your-mouth butter beans cooked to perfection with a touch of Southern flair. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your weeknight dinner or you need a hearty side that’ll have your guests asking for seconds, these butter beans are going to steal the show. So, let’s get to it and put some soul on your fork!

How to Make Southern Lima Butter Beans

Ingredients

• Dry Lima Beans
• Smoked Turkey Wings
• Large Yellow Onion
• Vegetable Oil
• I Bean Business Baby or Seasoning Salt

What do lima beans taste like?

Lima beans have a unique taste that really sets them apart from other beans. They’re mild and subtly earthy, with a starchy yet creamy texture when cooked. Some folks might even describe them as having a slightly buttery flavor, which makes them incredibly comforting to eat. Unlike the more robust flavors of kidney or black beans, lima beans are gentle on the palate, making them a great canvas to soak up the rich, savory flavors of whatever they’re cooked with—like bacon, garlic, or herbs. Whether you enjoy them in a soup, stew, or as a simple side dish, lima beans offer a delightful creaminess that can enhance any meal.

Why do they call lima beans butter beans?

Lima beans are often called butter beans due to their buttery texture and mild flavor, which distinguish them from other types of beans. The name “butter beans” is more commonly used in the Southern United States and parts of the UK, reflecting a regional preference in both the name and the way they are prepared. Typically, when cooked, lima beans become especially soft and creamy, much like butter, which likely influenced their nickname. This smooth texture makes them a favorite ingredient in Southern cooking, where they’re often simmered with ham hocks, onions, or other flavorful ingredients to create a rich, comforting dish.

What can I use other than smoked turkey wings?

If you’re looking to switch up the smoked turkey wings in your Southern Lima Beans recipe, there are plenty of delicious alternatives that can add depth and variety to this comforting dish. Here are a few tasty options:

1. Ham Hocks: These are a classic choice for adding a smoky, meaty flavor. Ham hocks simmer slowly, releasing a rich, porky essence that infuses the beans with a traditional Southern taste.
2. Bacon: For a bit of crispy texture and smoky flavor, consider frying up some bacon until it’s nice and crisp. Crumble it into your beans for a burst of flavor in every bite.
3. Andouille Sausage: This spicy, smoky sausage can add a little Cajun flair to your dish. Slice it up and let it simmer with the beans to let the spices meld beautifully.
4. Smoked Paprika: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option that maintains that smoky profile, try adding smoked paprika. It gives a nice depth of flavor without the meat.
5. Smoked Turkey Necks: Similar to smoked turkey wings, turkey necks offer a lot of flavors and are perfect for stewing with beans for that rich, smoky taste.

Each of these alternatives offers a unique twist to your Lima beans, allowing you to customize the dish to your taste preferences or dietary needs.

If you liked these Southern Lima Butter Beans, you’ll love my other bean recipes!

Authentic Southern Pinto Beans Recipe

Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Brown Sugar and Pineapple Baked Beans

Check Out My Southern Lima Butter Beans Video Tutorial, and Print the Recipe Below!

Southern Lima Butter Beans

These lima beans simmer away in the slow cooker alongside smoked turkey and a blend of spices until they become incredibly tender! This recipe is almost impossible to mess up!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Side

Cuisine Southern

Keyword Southern Lima Butter Beans

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Servings 10 people

Ingredients

• 1 lb Dry Baby Lima Beans
• 1.5 lb smoked turkey wing
• 1 large yellow onion diced
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tsp I Bean Business Baby or alternative
• 6-8 cups water

Instructions

• Start off by sorting, and rinsing the dry beans. Then set to the side.
• Next drizzle the vegetable oil into a medium sized pan, and place over medium hugh heat.
• Once the oil is nice and hot, add in the onions.
• Cook the onions until they are soft and translucent.
• Now add the smoked turkey wings into a 4-6 quart slow cooker, followed by the dry lima beans.
• Next, add in the onions, and I Bean Business Baby ( or alternative) seasoning.
• Pour in the water, and place the slow cooker lid on top.
• Cook on high for 4 hours.
• After 3 hours of cooking stir everything and remove the meat from the bones.
• Give everything a good stir, and let cook for the remaining hour.
• Once done sprinkle with parsley(optional), and serve with hot rice and cornbread.

Last Step! If you loved this recipe, leave me a review below. This helps future recipe makers and ensures continued high-quality recipes for years to come!

© 2025 I Heart Recipes

Recipe by: I Heart Recipes

Don’t forget to tag and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, subscribe to I Heart Recipes on YouTube, and check out I Heart Soulfood, Super Soul Food with Cousin Rosie and A Cousin Rosie Holiday with many recipes you can’t find anywhere else.