Marry Me Butter Beans: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, then you’ve come to the right place! Marry Me Butter Beans: A Delicious and Easy Recipe is one of those comforting meals that brings everyone together. The creamy, flavorful butter beans simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce are simply irresistible. Trust me, once you serve this up, your family will be asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s equally delightful for family gatherings or cozy weekends at home. Plus, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping—a winning combo that’s sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal ready to go!
• Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adjust the recipe based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.
• Plant-Based Option: With simple swaps, this dish can be made completely vegan without losing any flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Marry Me Butter Beans. These items are easy to find at your local grocery store and will create a dish that feels both hearty and satisfying.

For the Butter Bean Base

• 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

For the Aromatics and Sauce

• 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

Optional Enhancements

• 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)

Fresh Herbs & Seasoning

• 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

For Serving

• Crusty bread, for serving

Variations

One of the best things about Marry Me Butter Beans is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Some Greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• Spice it Up: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños.
• Change the Beans: Explore using different beans like chickpeas or navy beans for a unique twist.
• Switch Up the Herbs: Don’t hesitate to experiment with other herbs like thyme or parsley based on what you enjoy!

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

Step 1: Soak the Beans

Start by rinsing your beans thoroughly. You have two options here: soak them overnight in cold water or do a quick soak by boiling them in water for 2 minutes. Whichever method you choose, soaking helps soften the beans for cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Beans

After draining and rinsing your soaked beans, place them in a pot with 8 cups of vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat and simmering covered until they’re tender—this usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Remember to season with salt and pepper towards the end of cooking!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and sauté until it’s softened—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Next, toss in the garlic and bell pepper; cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This step builds an amazing flavor base.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes

Now it’s time to add those juicy diced tomatoes (don’t drain!) along with the sun-dried tomatoes to your skillet. Stir everything together so those delicious flavors meld.

Step 5: Deglaze (Optional)

If you’re using white grape juice, pour it into your skillet now! Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes while scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan—these bits add incredible flavor.

Step 6: Simmer Sauce

Reduce the heat slightly, cover your skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to develop further.

Step 7: Combine Beans and Sauce

Carefully transfer your cooked beans into the skillet along with some of their cooking liquid. Gently stir everything together so that each bean gets coated in that luscious sauce.

Step 8: Simmer and Thicken

Bring everything back up to a gentle simmer. If your mixture seems too thick, feel free to add more broth; if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 9: Add Cream and Parmesan (Optional)

For a creamier texture, stir in either heavy cream or coconut cream along with Parmesan cheese if you’re using it. This enriches the sauce beautifully!

Step 10: Season

Add basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the mix. Give everything a taste—adjust seasoning as needed because every palate is different!

Step 11: Final Simmer

Let everything simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes so those flavors can really shine through.

Step 12: Serve

Serve hot straight from the stove! Garnish with fresh basil leaves drizzled with olive oil on top. And don’t forget that crusty bread—it’s perfect for dipping into this heavenly mixture!

Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish!

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

Cooking can be a rewarding experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your butter beans are nothing short of spectacular!

• Soak the Beans Properly: Taking the time to soak your beans overnight or quick-soaking them helps soften them and reduces cooking time. This step ensures even cooking and enhances their creamy texture.

• Adjust Seasoning as You Go: Don’t wait until the end to season your dish. Taste as you cook and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your palate. This practice allows you to build layers of flavor throughout the cooking process.

• Use Fresh Herbs for Maximum Flavor: Fresh basil and oregano give your butter beans a vibrant taste that dried herbs can’t match. They bring out the natural flavors of the dish and make it more aromatic.

• Experiment with Heat Levels: If you enjoy a bit of spice, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes! Adjusting the heat level makes this dish even more personal and enjoyable based on your preferences.

• Serve with Crusty Bread: A good loaf of crusty bread isn’t just an accompaniment; it’s essential for scooping up those delicious beans! It adds texture and balances the creaminess of the dish.

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

Presenting your Marry Me Butter Beans beautifully can enhance the dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil Leaves: A few whole leaves placed on top not only add color but also fresh aroma.
• Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving adds richness and a glossy finish.
• Grated Vegan Parmesan Cheese (if desired): For those who prefer a cheesy touch without dairy, this is an excellent option that complements the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce from your butter beans.

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens dressed in lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy beans, balancing out the meal beautifully.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection bring additional texture and flavor to your plate while making it more colorful.

• Quinoa or Rice Pilaf: These grains offer a nutty base that pairs well with butter beans. They also soak up any extra sauce, making every bite delightful.

Enjoy serving up this delicious recipe! Your friends and family will surely be impressed by your culinary skills and attention to detail.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marry Me Butter Beans recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making dinner a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover butter beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to cool them completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

• Allow the butter beans to cool completely before freezing.
• Portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, simply warm them on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed.
• For frozen butter beans, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating, or use the microwave for quicker thawing.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I use canned beans instead for Marry Me Butter Beans: A Delicious and Easy Recipe?

Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, using canned large white beans will work well. Just rinse and drain them, then add them during step 7 of the instructions.

How spicy can I make Marry Me Butter Beans: A Delicious and Easy Recipe?

You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes according to your preference. Feel free to leave it out entirely if you prefer a milder flavor!

What can I serve with Marry Me Butter Beans: A Delicious and Easy Recipe?

These butter beans pair wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping. You could also serve them alongside a fresh salad or over rice for a heartier meal.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! Simply substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese for a delightful vegan option.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Marry Me Butter Beans recipe as much as I do! It’s creamy, comforting, and just bursting with flavor—perfect for cozy family dinners or when you’re entertaining friends. Don’t hesitate to add your personal touch; cooking is all about creativity! Enjoy every bite!