Crock Pot Lima Bean Soup

This Crock Pot Lima Bean Soup is a hearty and nutritious recipe, which includes dried lima beans and red potatoes. It’s a healthy twist on the classic, ready in about 9 hours and 15 minutes.

Crock Pot Lima Bean Soup Ingredients

  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 pound red potatoes, diced
  • 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups dried lima beans, rinsed
  • ½ cup short grain brown rice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried Greek oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
  • 1 quart vegetable broth
  • 2 cups baby spinach, firmly packed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How To Make Crock Pot Lima Bean Soup

  1. Add base ingredients: In a 6-quart slow cooker, add onion, potatoes, diced tomatoes, lima beans, rice, garlic, oregano, basil, onion powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
  2. Pour in broth: Stir everything together, then pour in the vegetable broth and stir again to combine.
  3. Slow cook the soup: Cover and cook on HIGH for 7 to 9 hours, or until the lima beans and potatoes are tender.
  4. Add greens and lemon: Once cooking is complete, stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt. Add lemon juice and additional salt to taste.
  5. Serve or store: Serve hot, or transfer to jars or containers for storing.
Crock Pot Lima Bean Soup
Crock Pot Lima Bean Soup

Recipe Tips

  • Do I need to soak the lima beans? No soaking is required, but make sure to rinse them well before using.
  • Can I use white rice instead of brown? Brown rice holds up better in long cooking times, but white rice can be used if added later in the cooking process.
  • How to add more protein: Stir in cooked lentils or plant-based sausage near the end of cooking.
  • Can I cook this on low? Yes, but it may take closer to 10–11 hours for the beans to fully soften.
  • Can I sauté the onions first? Yes, sautéing the onions in a bit of broth adds extra depth of flavor.

What To Serve With Lima Bean Soup

This hearty soup is satisfying on its own, but pairs well with:

  • Whole grain or sourdough bread
  • A crisp green salad
  • Roasted root vegetables
  • Olive tapenade or hummus with crackers

How To Store Lima Bean Soup

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Lima Bean Soup Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 279
  • Total Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Carbohydrates: 57g
  • Fiber: 23g
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Protein: 15g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use canned lima beans instead of dried?
Yes, but reduce the cook time significantly and add them in the last hour to prevent overcooking.

How can I make this soup creamier?
Use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup before adding spinach.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, all listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check labels.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for about 30–35 minutes with a natural release, then stir in spinach and lemon juice.

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Crock Pot Lima Bean Soup

Recipe by Robert Course: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

9

hours 
Calories

279

kcal

A hearty, healthy soup made with lima beans, potatoes, and spinach, simmered to perfection in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow onion, diced

  • 1 lb red potatoes, diced

  • 28 oz canned diced tomatoes

  • 2 cups dried lima beans, rinsed

  • ½ cup short grain brown rice

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp dried Greek oregano

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • Pinch red pepper flakes

  • ½–1 tsp sea salt, divided

  • 1 quart vegetable broth

  • 2 cups baby spinach

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

  • Add all ingredients (except spinach and lemon juice) to a 6-qt slow cooker.
  • Stir well and cook on HIGH for 7–9 hours.
  • When beans are tender, stir in spinach and let wilt.
  • Add lemon juice and extra salt to taste.
  • Serve hot or store for later.