Description
Cozy, creamy, and bursting with flavor — this One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans recipe is a true pantry-hero and a soul-warming comfort food you’ll want on repeat. Made with tender butter beans simmered in a garlicky, herbed tomato sauce, this dish is finished with melty cheese and fresh herbs for that final irresistible touch. Perfect for easy dinners, meatless meal prep, or when you’re short on time and craving something hearty.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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
1/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (optional)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan or vegan cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme or a few sprigs of fresh thyme
Handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Crusty bread for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. 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.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat the onions.
4. Add tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until the paste deepens in color.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes with juices. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 7–10 minutes uncovered.
6. Stir in drained butter beans and vegetable broth. Add thyme and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Lower the heat and stir in cream or coconut milk if using. Let simmer 5 more minutes.
8. Sprinkle cheese over the top and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Use coconut milk and vegan cheese for a fully plant-based version.
Lightly mash some beans for a thicker, stew-like texture.
A splash of white wine added while sautéing the onions can elevate the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: one pot recipe, butter beans, vegetarian dinner, easy dinner idea, meatless recipe