There’s something heartwarming about a cozy dish that feels both nourishing and a little indulgent. That’s exactly what this butter bean recipe offers. Made with minimal ingredients and bursting with flavor, Marry Me Butter Beans come together effortlessly, making them the perfect dish for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Whether you’re looking for a quick side or a delightful main dish, you’ll soon find that these beans might just win your heart.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and comforting flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes and packed with nutrition, these butter beans not only offer a lovely creamy texture but also a unique blend of herbs that warms the soul. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy hearty meals without breaking the bank!
"I whipped this up on a busy weeknight, and it was a hit! Flavorful, easy, and a total crowd-pleaser!"
How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans
Creating this delightful dish is a breeze! You’ll sauté onions and garlic to build a flavorful base, then add the butter beans and broth to create a rich, cozy sauce. With only a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to share. Let’s gather what you need to get started.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Quick substitution tips:
- Swap butter beans for cannellini beans for a slightly different taste.
- Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you’re not vegetarian.
- Fresh herbs can replace dried for a more vibrant flavor.
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using); cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the butter beans and vegetable broth; stir everything well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy as a side or a delightful main dish!

Serving Suggestions
These Marry Me Butter Beans are versatile and can be paired with a multitude of sides. Try serving them alongside a fresh garden salad for brightness or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. They also make a wonderful companion to grilled meats or roasted vegetables, adding a hearty, comforting element to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re looking to keep them longer, consider freezing the butter beans in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to revive the sauce.
Pro Tips
- For a more robust flavor, let the dish sit for a little while after cooking; it’s one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day.
- If you’re in a hurry, feel free to use pre-chopped onions and minced garlic from the store.
- Experiment with adding your favorite veggies—zucchini or bell peppers would work beautifully in this dish!
Variations
Feel free to put your twist on this classic recipe! Add cooked bacon or sausage for a meaty version, or sprinkle in some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. For those who enjoy a spice kick, consider increasing the red pepper flake amount or adding jalapeños for an extra depth of heat.
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to soak and cook the dried beans beforehand, as they require significantly more time to become tender.
How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is already vegan as long as you use vegetable broth. Just ensure that any added ingredients, like toppings, are plant-based.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish stores well, so feel free to make it a day or two in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Easy weeknight meals
- Creamy bean recipes
Marry Me Butter Beans
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A cozy and nourishing butter bean dish that’s simple to make and packed with flavor, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 2 cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using); cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the butter beans and vegetable broth; stir everything well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a more robust flavor, let the dish sit for a little while after cooking; it tastes even better the next day. Feel free to use pre-chopped onions and minced garlic to save time.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg