Easy Butter Beans Recipe

This butter beans recipe transforms humble canned beans into a flavorful Mediterranean-style dish in just 15 minutes.

As a chef who loves quick weeknight meals, I’ve made this creamy butter beans recipe countless times when I need something satisfying and healthy.

The combination of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs creates an irresistible sauce that my family always asks for seconds.

What Are Butter Beans

Butter beans are large, creamy white beans that get their name from their rich, buttery texture. Here’s what makes them special:

• Lima beans are actually the same as butter beans
• They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor
• Canned versions work perfectly for quick cooking
• Fresh or dried varieties take much longer to prepare
• They’re packed with protein and fiber

Ingredients You Need

This Mediterranean butter beans recipe uses simple pantry staples that create amazing flavor. Here’s your shopping list:

• Extra virgin olive oil for rich Mediterranean taste
• Fresh garlic cloves for aromatic base
• Red pepper flakes for gentle heat
• Ground cumin for earthy warmth
• Smoked paprika for depth
• Canned butter beans for convenience
• Vegetable broth to create sauce
• Fresh lemon juice for brightness
• Green onions for mild onion flavor
• Fresh parsley and dill for herbaceous finish

Step by Step Instructions

Making this easy butter beans recipe takes just three simple steps. Here’s how I do it every time:

1. Toast the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
2. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, and paprika
3. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant
4. Don’t let garlic brown or it becomes bitter
5. Season with salt and black pepper

2. Simmer the Beans

1. Add drained butter beans to the seasoned oil
2. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes
4. Let the broth thicken slightly around the beans
5. Beans should be heated through and tender

3. Finish with Fresh Elements

1. Remove from heat and squeeze in fresh lemon juice
2. Stir in chopped green onions
3. Add fresh parsley and dill
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
5. Serve immediately while warm

Best Bean Substitutes

When butter beans aren’t available, these alternatives work well in this recipe:

• Cannellini beans are my first choice substitute
• Great Northern beans offer similar creaminess
• Navy beans work but are smaller and less creamy
• Lima beans are actually the same thing
• Giant lima beans provide extra creaminess

What to Serve With Butter Beans

The lemony, garlicky broth in this butter beans recipe needs something to soak it up. Here are my favorite pairings:

• Crusty bread for dipping and soaking
• Plain white rice to absorb the sauce
• Cooked pasta tossed right into the pan
• Lemon rice for extra Mediterranean flavor
• Simple green salad for a complete meal

My Pro Cooking Tips

After making this recipe dozens of times, these tips ensure perfect results:

• Prep all ingredients before you start cooking
• Don’t skip the toasting step for the spices
• Use high quality olive oil for best flavor
• Fresh herbs make a huge difference over dried
• Taste and adjust lemon juice to your preference
• Save some pasta water if serving with pasta

Why This Recipe Works

This Mediterranean-style butter beans recipe succeeds because it builds layers of flavor quickly.

The garlic oil creates an aromatic base, while the herbs and lemon brighten everything up.

I learned this technique from my grandmother, who always said the secret to good cooking is balancing rich and fresh flavors.

The vegetable broth helps create a silky sauce that coats each bean perfectly. When I first tried this method, I was amazed how such simple ingredients could taste so complex and satisfying.

Storage and Reheating

This butter bean dish keeps well for meal prep throughout the week:

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with extra broth
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between
• Add fresh herbs after reheating for best flavor
• The sauce may thicken when cold, which is normal

Nutritional Benefits

Butter beans provide excellent nutrition for a plant-based meal:

• High in protein and fiber for staying full
• Rich in folate and potassium
• Low in fat and naturally gluten-free
• Vegan and Mediterranean diet friendly
• About 245 calories per generous serving

This healthy butter beans recipe has become my go-to when I want something nourishing but don’t have much time.

The combination of protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables makes it a complete meal that leaves everyone satisfied.

The Mediterranean flavors remind me why simple ingredients, when treated with care, create the most memorable dishes.

Every time I make this recipe, I’m reminded that good food doesn’t need to be complicated.

Mediterranean Butter Beans

This butter beans recipe transforms humble canned beans into a flavorful Mediterranean-style dish in just 15 minutes. Creamy butter beans simmer in a lemony, garlicky broth with fresh herbs for a satisfying vegan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Calories: 245

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Base Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Urfa pepper optional
• kosher salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Main Ingredients

• 2 15-ounce cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth

Fresh Finishing Ingredients

• 2 large lemons, juiced
• 2 whole green onions, chopped white and green parts
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/3 cup fresh dill, chopped

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Can Opener
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Toast the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Urfa pepper (if using), cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to 1 minute until garlic is fragrant. Don’t let garlic brown or it will taste bitter.
2. Simmer the beans: Add drained butter beans and vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until beans are heated through and broth has slightly thickened.
3. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice, chopped green onions, parsley, and dill. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately while warm with crusty bread, rice, or pasta.

Notes

• Prep all ingredients before starting as everything cooks quickly
• For less heat, reduce red pepper flakes to 1/4 teaspoon or omit entirely
• Cannellini beans or Great Northern beans can substitute for butter beans
• Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Reheat gently with extra broth if sauce becomes too thick