One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans

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Creamy, rich, and absolutely irresistible — One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. This cozy dish brings together tender butter beans bathed in a garlicky tomato sauce, simmered with herbs, and finished with melted cheese and fresh greens. Each spoonful is savory, satisfying, and layered with depth, proving that simple ingredients can still deliver big flavors.

Whether you’re serving it with warm crusty bread or enjoying it solo straight from the pot, this dish is designed to steal hearts (and seconds). It’s plant-based, protein-packed, and makes for a hearty dinner or a crave-worthy lunch. Plus, it’s all made in one pot — which means fewer dishes and more flavor.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans

• All made in one pot — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Creamy and rich without heavy cream.
• Full of pantry staples, budget-friendly and wholesome.
• Can be served as a main or side dish.
• Naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable for vegan diets.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Their Importance)

• Large Dutch Oven or Deep Skillet: Retains and evenly distributes heat, ideal for slow simmering and even cooking.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring without damaging your pan’s surface.
• Can Opener: You’ll need this if you’re using canned tomatoes and beans.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping garlic and herbs quickly and safely.
• Grater (Optional): To grate fresh cheese right over the dish for that final melty touch.

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Preparation Tips

Start by gathering all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Be sure to drain and rinse your canned butter beans — this removes excess sodium and improves texture. If using fresh herbs, chop them finely to release maximum aroma and flavor. When cooking your aromatics like garlic and spices, keep the heat at medium to avoid burning and bitterness. Let the sauce simmer long enough to thicken slightly, and always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A drizzle of good olive oil at the end brings everything together beautifully.

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Ingredients for this One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or water)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan or vegan cheese
• A few sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty bread, for serving (optional)

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Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

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Step 2: Add the Spices and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and a generous pinch of salt. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic in the spices. Add tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the paste darkens slightly and caramelizes.

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Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 7–10 minutes, uncovered, to reduce slightly and deepen in flavor.

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Step 4: Add the Butter Beans and Broth

Stir in the drained and rinsed butter beans. Add the vegetable broth and fresh thyme. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, letting the beans absorb the flavors. Stir occasionally.

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Step 5: Make It Creamy (Optional but Recommended)

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk if using. Simmer for another 5 minutes until creamy and cohesive.

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Step 6: Add Cheese and Broil (Optional Final Touch)

Sprinkle grated Parmesan or vegan cheese over the top of the dish. Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with slices of crusty bread to scoop up all the saucy goodness. Enjoy immediately or let sit a few minutes to thicken further.

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Notes

This dish is incredibly versatile — you can keep it dairy-free by skipping the cream and cheese or substitute with plant-based versions. For added depth, a splash of white wine can be added when cooking the onions. If you prefer a thicker texture, mash some of the beans lightly with the back of your spoon. It tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter. Always sauté it just until fragrant.
• Not Draining Beans Properly: Excess liquid from canned beans can dilute the sauce and make it too watery.
• Skipping the Simmering Time: Allowing time for the sauce to reduce intensifies the flavor and improves the texture.
• Adding Cheese Too Early: If added during simmering, cheese may clump. Add just before broiling or serving.
• Undersalting: Taste your dish at different stages, especially after adding broth and cheese, to ensure balanced seasoning.

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Storage Instructions

Let the dish cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 330 kcal
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 580mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them ahead of time until tender. Canned beans offer a faster, more convenient option.

Is this dish vegan?

As written, it’s vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply omit the cheese and use coconut milk instead of dairy cream.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely. This dish stores and reheats well. In fact, it often tastes better the next day!

What can I substitute for butter beans?

Cannellini or Great Northern beans are great alternatives with a similar creamy texture.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes. Feel free to reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder version.

Can I freeze One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans?

Yes. Let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

What do I serve with it?

Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a light salad make great pairings.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just be sure to use a large enough pot and extend the simmering time slightly for best results.

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Conclusion

One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans is the kind of dish that wins over everyone at the table. It’s rich, full of flavor, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe delivers cozy satisfaction with minimal effort. And with so many ways to customize it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

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