One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans

Save this article on:

Rich, cozy, and irresistibly creamy — One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans are a dish that might just make someone fall in love with your cooking. This hearty comfort food combines tender butter beans with a luscious tomato-based sauce, simmered to perfection with garlic, herbs, and a kiss of creaminess. It’s everything you want from a winter dish: warm, flavorful, filling, and shockingly easy to pull off in a single pot.

Inspired by the viral “marry me” recipes that promise to impress anyone at the table, this vegetarian twist brings the same level of decadence without the meat. Whether you’re serving it as a main course with crusty bread or as a side dish at your next dinner party, One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans deliver big on taste and presentation.

---

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

• It’s made in just one pot, so cleanup is minimal.
• A meatless recipe that’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavor.
• Packed with plant-based protein and fiber from butter beans.
• Delicious enough for date night, yet easy enough for a weeknight.
• Ideal for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you get cooking, here are the tools you’ll need:

• Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven: Crucial for even heat distribution and simmering without burning.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the beans gently without mashing them.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For prepping your aromatics and greens.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Precision is key in nailing the flavor balance.
• Colander or sieve: For rinsing canned butter beans.

Each tool contributes to the ease and success of this dish, especially when cooking everything in one pot for flavor layering and convenience.

---

Preparation Tips

For the best texture and flavor, always rinse and drain your canned butter beans to remove excess sodium and starch. Allow your aromatics like garlic and onion to sauté until golden for deeper flavor before adding tomatoes. Don’t rush the simmering process; giving the beans time to meld with the sauce is what brings out the creaminess. If you’re using cheese or cream at the end, stir it in off the heat to avoid curdling. And finally, finish with a handful of fresh herbs or baby greens for a touch of color and freshness.

---

Ingredients for One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or water)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for vegan version)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or plant-based cheese (optional, for topping)
• 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

---

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it turns translucent and slightly golden. Add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

---

Step 2: Spice it Up

Add the red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir the spices with the onion and garlic for 1 minute to allow the flavors to bloom.

---

Step 3: Create the Tomato Base

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

---

Step 4: Add the Butter Beans

Add the drained and rinsed butter beans to the pot. Stir gently to coat them in the tomato mixture without breaking them. Pour in the vegetable broth and let everything simmer together uncovered for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

---

Step 5: Add Cream and Greens

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream (or coconut cream) and the baby spinach or kale. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until the greens wilt and the mixture becomes creamy.

---

Step 6: Optional Cheese Topping

If using cheese, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and cover the pot. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey goodness.

---

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Serve hot with toasted bread, rice, or enjoy as is.

---

Notes

For an even richer flavor, make this dish a day ahead—like many stews, it gets better overnight. If you’re using coconut cream instead of dairy, make sure to stir it well to avoid any separation. You can easily double this recipe if you’re cooking for a crowd or want to meal prep for the week.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the sauté phase: Don’t rush the onions and garlic; this is where your flavor base begins.
• Overcooking the beans: Butter beans are delicate. Stir gently and avoid overcooking them to keep them intact.
• Adding dairy too early: Wait until the end to add cream or cheese to prevent curdling.
• Using too much salt early: Since canned tomatoes and beans can already contain sodium, season lightly at first and adjust later.
• Neglecting to simmer long enough: Simmering allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to marry — don’t cut it short.

---

Storage Instructions

Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving with cheese on top, as it can become rubbery — reheat and then add fresh cheese if desired.

---

Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: 370 kcal per serving
• Protein: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Cholesterol: 25mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Yes, but they must be soaked overnight and fully cooked before using. Canned beans save time and effort.

Is this dish vegan?

It can be! Use coconut cream instead of dairy cream and skip or replace the cheese with a vegan alternative.

What can I serve with this dish?

Crusty bread, rice, or even mashed potatoes make great pairings.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely. Increase the red pepper flakes or add a chopped chili pepper with the aromatics.

Can I use another type of bean?

Yes, though butter beans have a creamy texture that’s ideal. Cannellini or great northern beans are good substitutes.

How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?

When it coats the back of a spoon and holds a slight trail when stirred, it’s ready.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Just cool it fully before freezing.

Is it okay to skip the cheese?

Definitely. The dish is flavorful on its own, and skipping the cheese keeps it lighter and dairy-free.

---

Conclusion

One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans is a dish that checks all the boxes: easy to make, deeply satisfying, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re feeding a family, impressing a date, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe brings comfort and flavor in every bite. Keep it in your rotation for those cozy nights when you need something hearty but wholesome.

---

Print