Marry Me Butter Beans: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that brings warmth and joy to the table, then you’re in for a treat! This recipe for Marry Me Butter Beans: A Delicious and Easy Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my home. These creamy, flavorful butter beans are simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce that’s absolutely divine. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up even when time is tight!

What makes this recipe truly special is its comforting nature – it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this dish comes together effortlessly.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the creamy texture and delicious flavors of butter beans.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe stores well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
• Customizable: Easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of herbs and tomatoes creates a rich taste that warms your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this recipe are simple and wholesome. Each component plays a vital role in creating the creamy, delicious sauce we all love. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound dried large white beans (such as Great Northern or Cannellini)
• 8 cups vegetable broth, plus more as needed
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup dry white grape juice (optional, but recommended)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan option)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional; omit for vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Crusty bread, for serving

Variations

One of the best things about Marry Me Butter Beans is how flexible the recipe is! Here are some fun ways to change it up:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy heat, add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños.
• Swap the Cream: Use cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a nutty flavor that’s also dairy-free.
• Change the Beans: Try using chickpeas or lentils if you’re looking to switch things around!

How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Beans

Start by rinsing your dried beans. For an overnight soak, cover them with cold water and refrigerate them for at least eight hours. If you’re short on time, give them a quick soak by boiling them in water for two minutes before letting them sit covered for one hour. Soaking helps soften the beans so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Beans

Once soaked, drain and rinse your beans again. Place them in a pot with eight cups of vegetable broth—add more if needed. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer covered for about one to one-and-a-half hours until they’re tender. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper along the way!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

While your beans are cooking, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onion first and cook it until it softens—around five to seven minutes. Then toss in garlic and bell peppers; sauté these until fragrant—about two to three minutes is perfect.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes

Now it’s time to add those beautiful colors! Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes along with your sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. This step adds depth of flavor that really makes this dish pop.

Step 5: Deglaze (Optional)

If you’re feeling adventurous, pour in some dry white grape juice now! This optional step deglazes your pan by lifting those delightful browned bits from cooking earlier. Let it simmer for one or two minutes while you scrape up any goodness stuck on the bottom.

Step 6: Simmer Sauce

Lower your heat, cover your skillet, and let this rich sauce simmer away for about fifteen to twenty minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together.

Step 7: Combine Beans and Sauce

Once your beans are cooked through, gently transfer them—with some liquid—to your skillet filled with sauce. Give everything a loving stir so those flavors can mingle.

Step 8: Simmer and Thicken

Bring everything back up to a gentle simmer! If it seems too thick, feel free to add more broth; if it’s too thin, leave it uncovered so some liquid evaporates while simmering.

Step 9: Add Cream and Parmesan (Optional)

Now’s where we get creamy! Stir in either heavy cream or coconut cream depending on your preference—and if you’re using Parmesan cheese—mix that in too!

Step 10: Season

Add in your fresh basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper at this point. Taste everything before serving; adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 11: Final Simmer

Let everything simmer together once more for another five to ten minutes until heated through.

Step 12: Serve

Serve hot right out of the skillet! Garnish with fresh basil leaves drizzled with olive oil if desired. And don’t forget that crusty bread—you’ll want it handy for dipping!

Enjoy every bite of this Marry Me Butter Beans dish—it’s sure to win hearts at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Butter Beans: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Making the perfect Marry Me Butter Beans is all about attention to detail and a few chef secrets to enhance flavors!

• Soak the Beans Properly: Soaking beans not only reduces cooking time but also helps in achieving a creamier texture. The hydrated beans cook more evenly, ensuring they are tender and delicious.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil and oregano bring vibrant flavors that dried herbs simply can’t match. They add brightness to the dish, making it more aromatic and enjoyable.

• Don’t Rush the Sautéing: Take your time when sautéing the onions and garlic. Cooking them slowly allows their natural sweetness to develop, creating a flavorful base for your sauce.

• Adjust Consistency with Broth: If you find your sauce too thick, don’t hesitate to add more vegetable broth. This keeps the dish from becoming overly dense and ensures a pleasant saucy consistency perfect for dipping.

• Taste Before Serving: Always taste your dish before serving! Adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to suit your preference, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as possible.

How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

When it comes to serving Marry Me Butter Beans, presentation is key! This dish can be served in various ways that make it not just a meal but an experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil Leaves: A sprinkle of freshly torn basil leaves right before serving adds color and freshness.
• Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances richness and gives a beautiful sheen to the dish.
• Chili Flakes: For those who love a bit of heat, a few extra chili flakes sprinkled on top can give it an appealing kick.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: Sliced sourdough or baguette pairs perfectly for dipping into the creamy sauce, enhancing each bite with its crunch.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty beans.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots complement the butter beans’ flavors beautifully while adding nutritional value.
• Quinoa or Brown Rice: For a wholesome grain option that soaks up the sauce wonderfully, serve alongside fluffy quinoa or nutty brown rice.

Enjoy every moment as you create this delightful dish! Your friends and family will surely be asking for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marry Me Butter Beans recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch and store it for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the butter beans to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label and date your container to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the cooled butter beans into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

FAQs

Got questions about this delicious recipe? Here are some common ones that might help you out!

Can I make Marry Me Butter Beans vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese. You’ll still get that creamy texture and rich flavor!

How long do Marry Me Butter Beans last in the refrigerator?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy them again!

What can I serve with Marry Me Butter Beans?

These flavorful beans pair wonderfully with crusty bread, but you could also serve them over rice, quinoa, or alongside a fresh salad.

Can I use different types of beans?

While the recipe calls for large white beans like Great Northern or Cannellini, feel free to experiment with other varieties like navy beans or pinto beans for a twist!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing these Marry Me Butter Beans! This dish not only brings warmth and flavor but also invites loved ones to gather around the table. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your wonderful creations! Happy cooking!