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Southern Lima Butter Beans

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Southern Lima Butter Beans​


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By Rosie Published: April 10, 2024 Updated: June 29, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links.​
These lima beans are cooked in the slow cooker with smoked turkey and spices until they are super tender! This recipe is practically foolproof!​
A pot full of creamy Southern Lima Butter Beans garnished with fresh parsley.
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?​

A silver serving spoon holds a large helping of Southern Lima Butter Beans over a pot.
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?​

Golden beans and savory turkey in a seasoned broth garnished with fresh parsley.
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?​

A serving of butter beans and tender turkey in a golden broth hovers over a large pot.

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!​


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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!

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CourseSide
CuisineSouthern
KeywordSouthern Lima Butter Beans

Prep Time30minutes minutes
Cook Time4hours hours
Total Time4hours hours 30minutes minutes

Servings10 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!
© 2026 I Heart Recipes
Recipe by: I Heart Recipes​
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MEET THE RECIPE AUTHOR

Rosie​

I’m a Soul Food blogger living in the Pacific Northwest, bringing Southern cooking to gorgeous Seattle, Washington. I was born and raised in the PNW, but my family roots go all the way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where my grandparents were born and raised. I live every day to bring the traditional values, recipes, and love of food to life for my family—whether they’re online or in real life. So, welcome to the party, family!​

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Comments​

  1. Elaine Pulliam says
    April 13, 2024 at 5:37 am
    Gm and thank you for sharing this. Have a blessed day from Gainesville Georgia
    REPLY
  2. Dr. Timothy Cloonan (Colonel retired) says
    April 13, 2024 at 11:09 am

    As always excellent.
    Just one comment that reflects my professional background.
    As a physician/pharmacist. I always capitalized “T” in Tablespoon to differentiated from the lowercase “t” in teaspoon.
    When transcribing your recipes into my collection I always make this change.
    It is a small thing, Rosie, but I believe it would alleviate any chance of confusion. (3 t = 1 T)
    Again, this is just a suggestion, take it or leave it. I will always make the change.
    Respectfully, Tim Cloonan.
    REPLY
  3. Joseph Washington says
    April 13, 2024 at 12:29 pm

    I love your cooking it being back the my younger days
    REPLY
  4. Tamika says
    August 21, 2024 at 4:52 pm
    What is I business baby seasoning
    REPLY
  5. FMWilson says
    November 16, 2024 at 11:20 am

    very much enjoyed!
    would appreciate some other herb suggestions besides Parsley…
    REPLY
  6. Andrea S says
    February 14, 2025 at 6:50 pm

    I’m very excited to cook this recipe. I don’t cook much.
    Thanks for sharing with your no cooking fans.
    REPLY
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Hey cousins, it’s Rosie!​

I’m a Soul Food blogger living in Florida. I was born and raised in the PNW, but my family roots go all the way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where my grandparents were born and raised. I live every day to bring the traditional values, recipes, and love of food to life for my family—whether they’re online or in real life. So, welcome to the party, family!​

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