This butter bean recipe is a quick, comforting, and heart-healthy meal that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients โ perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
For more easy dinners with legumes, check out our marry me butter beans, black bean soup, kidney bean curry, and Tuscan white bean soup.
Wholesome Comfort Food Youโll Want on Repeat
If you’re looking for a comforting, wholesome meal thatโs both quick and deeply satisfying, this butter bean recipe is for you. Louise and I love making this dish when we want something cozy yet nourishing โ and it always delivers.
With just a few pantry staples and one pan, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Itโs packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats, making it ideal for those looking for low cholesterol bean recipes that donโt compromise on flavor. ๐
The combination of sizzling cherry tomatoes, creamy butter beans, and marinated feta turns into a rustic stew that tastes like it came straight from the Mediterranean countryside. Itโs the kind of meal you can mop up with crusty bread and enjoy on a busy weeknight or serve to guests on the weekend. ๐ฟ
What we love most? Itโs flexible. Want more greens? Toss in spinach or kale for a butter beans with greens twist. Craving heat? Add more red pepper flakes.
Simple ingredients. Big flavor. One skillet. This is a dish youโll return to again and again. โค๏ธ
Ingredients
Find complete ingredient list, quantities, and substitutions in the recipe box at the bottom of the page.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and enhances the Mediterranean flavor of this butter bean recipe. You can substitute with avocado oil or light olive oil if preferred.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the creamy beans. Grape tomatoes or chopped roma tomatoes also work beautifully.
- Butter beans: Soft, creamy, and protein-rich, they’re perfect for a quick plant-based dinner. You can also use cannellini beans or gigante beans for a similar texture and taste.
- Garlic: Adds depth and savory complexity. Swap with garlic powder or slow-roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter note.
- Dried oregano: A must-have herb in any Mediterranean butter bean recipe. You can use Italian seasoning or dried thyme for a slightly different flavor.
- Water or vegetable broth: Helps create a silky sauce. Use broth for added flavor or a splash of white wine for a more sophisticated touch.
- Feta cheese: Creamy, salty, and tangyโit contrasts beautifully with the sweet tomatoes. For a dairy-free or vegan butter bean recipe, try vegan feta or firm tofu.
- Honey: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and lemon. Maple syrup or agave syrup work great for a vegan alternative.
- Red pepper flakes: Bring just enough heat to cut through the creaminess. Try smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a smoky or spicier variation.
- Lemon juice and zest: Brightens everything and enhances the freshness.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Adds a burst of color and freshness just before serving. Mint or dill offer a fun twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
How to Make this Butter Bean Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Feta
Break the block of feta into chunky pieces and place them in a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ยผ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Gently toss to coat, then set the bowl aside to let the flavors soak in.
Step 2: Cook the Tomatoes
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add halved cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and garlic. Let everything cook down for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are soft and saucy. This is the flavor base of your one pot butter bean stew.
Step 3: Add the Butter Beans
Now stir in the butter beans (drained and rinsed) and pour in the water or vegetable broth. Let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, just until the beans are warm and creamy. This step makes the dish extra comforting and perfect if you’re looking for healthy butter bean recipes that are satisfying too.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Spoon the marinated feta over the beans and tomatoes. You can serve it right away, or place the skillet under the broiler for 5 minutes until the feta turns golden and melty. Just before serving, add the zest and juice of one lemon and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy with warm crusty bread, pita, or focaccia.
Tips
- Use canned butter beans for speed: Theyโre soft, creamy, and perfect for quick weeknight meals. Just drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium โ ideal for anyone looking for low cholesterol bean recipes.
- Donโt skip the marinated feta: Letting the feta sit in olive oil, oregano, honey, and red pepper flakes adds tons of flavor. It becomes the salty, tangy finish that brings the whole dish together.
- Cook the tomatoes on high: You want them to sizzle and burst quickly, creating a jammy sauce. That vibrant caramelized flavor is key in butter beans and tomatoes recipes.
- Broil at the end for extra texture: If you have time, broil the dish for 5 minutes. The feta gets soft, golden and the top caramelizes โ totally worth it.
- Add greens for more nutrition: Stir in a handful of spinach, kale, or Swiss chard just before adding the feta. It bulks up the dish and turns it into a complete meal โ great for fans of butter beans with greens.
- Serve with crusty bread: This dish makes a saucy, satisfying main thatโs even better with a slice of bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them first, which takes more time. Here’s our guide on how to cook white beans. Canned butter beans are perfect for quick meals and especially handy in an easy butter bean recipe like this one.
Theyโre actually the same bean! “Butter bean” is the more common name in the Southern US. Both have a creamy texture that works well in saucy, skillet-style dishes.
Absolutely. Just swap the feta with vegan feta or crumbled tofu, and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave. This way, it becomes a hearty vegan butter bean recipe that’s still packed with flavor.
No, broiling is optional. It adds a nice golden crust on the feta, but the dish is still delicious served straight from the stove.
Yes! It reheats well the next day. Just store it in the fridge and warm it gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick.
More Easy Dinners With Pulses
- Chickpea Curry
- Lentil Curry
- Kale Soup with White Beans
- Marry me Chickpeas
- Lentil Chili
- Pasta e Fagioli
- Vegetarian Chili
- Curry Lentil Soup
If you tried this butter bean recipe or any other recipe on our blog, please leave a ๐ star rating and let us know how it goes in the comments. We love hearing from you!
Butter Bean Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus 1 tablespoon for the marinade
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes halved (4 cups)
- 2 cans butter beans 15 oz / 400 g each can
- 2 cloves garlic pressed or finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano + 1 teaspoon for the marinade
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 block feta cheese (about 7 oz / 200 g)
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
- ยผ teaspoon red pepper flakes more or less to taste
- 1 lemon juice and zest
- 1 handful fresh basil or parsley (if desired)
- ยฝ teaspoon salt + black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Feta: Cut 1 block feta cheese into chunky pieces and place them in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons honey, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ยผ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Toss gently to coat, then set aside to marinate.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 pints cherry tomatoes, ยฝ teaspoon salt, a few cracks of black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 2 cloves garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are soft and saucy.
- Add the Beans: Stir in 2 cans butter beans (drained and rinsed) along with 1 cup water of water. Let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, until the beans are warm, tender, and creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Spoon the marinated feta over the beans and tomatoes. Broil for 5 minutes until the feta is golden and slightly crisp, or serve straight from the skillet. Finish with the zest and juice of 1 lemon and 1 handful fresh basil. Delicious with crusty bread!
Notes
- Butter beans โ Swap with cannellini, chickpeas, or gigante beans for a similar creamy texture.
- Cherry tomatoes โ Use grape tomatoes, chopped roma, or canned fire-roasted tomatoes in a pinch.
- Feta โ Substitute with goat cheese, ricotta salata, halloumi, or tofu for a dairy-free twist.
- Olive oil โ Avocado oil or sunflower oil work if youโre out of extra virgin.
- Honey โ Maple syrup or agave make great vegan alternatives.
- Dried oregano โ Try zaโatar, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a flavor variation.
- Chili flakes โ Use Aleppo pepper, hot paprika, or skip for a milder version.
- Garlic โ Garlic powder or roasted garlic adds a sweeter, mellow flavor.
- Lemon juice/zest โ Lime or white wine vinegar brings similar brightness.
- Basil or parsley โ Mint, dill, or cilantro also add fresh, herby flavor.
- Choose block feta: Creamier and holds its shape better than pre-crumbled.
- Marinate at room temp: 15โ30 minutes lets the honey and herbs infuse the feta.
- Medium-high heat skillet: Hot enough to blister tomatoes, but not burn the oil.
- Donโt skimp on olive oil: It adds richness and brings the whole dish together.
- Use canned butter beans: Quick and easy โ just rinse well before using.
- Crush some tomatoes while cooking: Helps create a rich, rustic sauce fast.
- Broil the feta (optional): Adds golden edges and a bit of wow-factor.
- Finish with lemon and herbs: Brightens and balances the creamy beans.
- Serve with good bread: Pita, sourdough, focaccia… whatever you love to mop up the sauce.
- Make it ahead: Even tastier the next day. Reheat gently and top with fresh herbs.
Nutrition
Hi! We are Nico & Louise
Weโre here to share delicious, easy, and healthy plant-based recipes (vegetarian & vegan) ๐ฟโจ.
Welcome to our blog, we are glad you are here.
This is absolutely the best!! So delicious!!
I’m not a vegetarian but want to eat more vegetarian meals. The recipes I’ve tried from the Plant Based School are sensational and I’ll definitely be trying many more.
The butter bean recipe was so tasty I ate more than I should have! Didn’t add water or stock but the consistency was perfect
Hi Julie! Oh, you are so very kind – we are delighted that you are here (and that you like our food, haha).
Thanks so much for your comments. And butter beans are not the worst thing to eat a lot of ๐
Best, Louise
Just tried this easy and delicious recipe. Great lite meal or appetizer with Lots of Amazing Bread! Yum! Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed it, Janice! And yesโall the bread is always a strong positive result!!
Kindest, Louise
I tried this recipe and it tastes very good. Marinated feta adds a tasty touch. I used white beans instead and it still turned quite good. I put slightly more water and it lost the creamy texture, I suggest adding the water slowly.
Highly recommend it.
Loved this recipe! I caramelized a sweet onion first and then followed the recipe as directed. Will definitely keep in the regular rotation. A comforting/healthy meal thatโs hard to beat!
Thank you so much for your feedback, Casey! Caramelized onions sound like the perfect sweet and savory addition, I’m DEFINITELY trying that next time.
So happy this one’s going in your regular rotation. All the best,
Louise
Please stop recommending honey – at all. Honey bees are critically endangered. Use for yourself but don’t mention honey if another sweetener works as well.
The more we get people comfortable with agave, maple, and other sweet options, the less pressure is put on honeybees. Hopefully they’ll beat the colony collapse disorder and we can enjoy honey more often. Please share this with other cooks with blogs. Thank you!
Hi Shaunn, thanks for your thoughtful comment. I appreciate your passion and concern for pollinators. You are right: there are plenty of wonderful plant-based sweeteners like maple, agave, or date syrup that work beautifully in recipes. We’re always trying to improve and be mindful of ingredients, and weโll definitely keep your feedback in mind moving forward. ๐ All the best,
Louise
So simple, so quick and so tasty! Absolute winner!
I followed the recipe pretty exactly with the exception of oregano (not keen on it, plus I didn’t have any in the cupboard). I also omited the 240ml of water/vegetable stock that’s mentioned in the written recipe but which didn’t apear to be used in the video.
So, to summarise: no oregano and no water or stock. Fabulous!!
Thank you so much, John! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the recipe โ and great call on skipping the oregano if it’s not your thing. Sounds like you nailed it!
All the best, Louise
This was SO GOOD!! Almost didn’t want to share!
Hi Loraine,
That’s phenomenal, I’m so happy that you enjoyed it. So did we, no leftovers at all ๐คฃ All the best,
Louise
Absolutely loved this recipe! The flavors were so rich and comforting, and it came together surprisingly quickly. The best part was the broiled feta on top as it got golden and melted just enough into the tomatoes and beans. It made the whole dish feel extra special. Served it with some warm sourdough and a side of greens. Will definitely be adding this to our regular dinner rotation!