Legume | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free High Fiber Low Fat

Butter Beans

Phaseolus lunatus Allergen-Free
butter beans

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Fabaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Southern American|Mediterranean
  • Seasonality Summer (fresh), Year-Round (dried/canned)
  • Source Lima bean plant

The Forktionary Angle

"The unsung hero of creamy texture and subtle richness in comfort food."

Definition

A large, creamy white bean with a mild, buttery flavor and soft texture, also known as lima beans.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, buttery, slightly starchy, earthy
TextureCreamy, soft, mealy
AromaMild, earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Production

Over 2 million tons annually (lima beans)

Protein per cup (cooked)

11.6 grams

Storage Tip

Store dried beans for 1-2 years, cooked beans 3-5 days refrigerated.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1/2 cup (cooked, 90g)
Calories338 kcal
Total Fat0.7 g
Saturated Fat0.2 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein21.5 g
Total Carbohydrate62.6 g
Dietary Fiber19.3 g
Total Sugars8.7 g
Calcium96 mg
Iron7.5 mg
Potassium1724 mg

Chef’s Secret

For extra creamy butter beans, reserve some cooking liquid and mash a portion of the beans before stirring them back into the dish.

Substitutions

Best Match

Cannellini Beans

1:1

Very similar creamy texture and mild flavor, ideal for many recipes.

Great Northern Beans

1:1

Also creamy and mild, slightly smaller, good for soups and stews.

Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)

1:1

Offers a different flavor but similar bulk and protein in stews or salads.

Navy Beans

1:1

Smaller, but mild and creamy, good for mashing or thickening.

Buying Guide

For dried, look for uniform, unblemished beans. Canned should be low sodium.

Flavor Pairings

Ham bacon corn collard greens herbs (sage thyme) tomato.

Recipes Using Butter Beans

One Pot Dinner image 170
Course Beans Ground Beef Time To Make

One Pot Dinner

Impress your family with this hearty and flavorful one-pot beef and bacon dinner! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy winter evenings, this recipe is surprisingly easy and requires minimal cleanup. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in tender beef, crispy bacon, and a rich, satisfying sauce. Men especially love this unique twist on classic crockpot meals. Get ready for a delicious and effortless dinner that's sure to become a family favorite!

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3 Bean Casserole Bourbon Beans image 151
Time To Make Equipment Low Saturated Fat 4 Hours Or Less

3 Bean Casserole Bourbon Beans

This award-winning 3-bean casserole recipe is a family favorite, perfect for potlucks, picnics, holidays, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Our secret? A hint of bourbon for a depth of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more! (Note: Requires 2 hours of chilling time before baking – included in total cook time.)

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Aunt Charolette's Calico Baked Beans image 122
Side Dishes Beans Cuisine American

Aunt Charolette's Calico Baked Beans

Fall in love with these easy and irresistible calico baked beans! A potluck sensation, these beans are so good, even baked bean skeptics will be asking for the recipe. Aunt Charlotte's secret recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family gatherings or your next barbecue. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Bacon Butter Beans And Tomatoes image 172
Low Saturated Fat Healthy Low Cholesterol Main Ingredient

Bacon Butter Beans And Tomatoes

Indulge in this vibrant Southern-inspired dish! Fresh butter beans and juicy, vine-ripened tomatoes simmered with crispy bacon create a symphony of summer flavors. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. Serve alongside your favorite garden vegetables and warm cornbread for a complete and unforgettable summer supper.

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Baked Beans Don T Get Any Better Than This image 181
Dietary Time To Make Course 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Beans Don T Get Any Better Than This

Get ready to experience the ultimate baked beans recipe! These aren't your grandma's beans – these are intensely flavorful, perfectly sweet and savory, and unbelievably tender. This recipe uses bacon for smoky depth, ground beef for heartiness, and just the right touch of brown sugar for irresistible sweetness. Prepare to be amazed – they truly don't get any better than this!

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Baked Beans Pennsylvania Style image 133
Pennsylvania Dutch Presentation Side Dishes Served Hot

Baked Beans Pennsylvania Style

A family heirloom recipe passed down through generations, these Pennsylvania-style baked beans are a magical blend of three bean varieties simmered in a savory, tangy-sweet sauce. The perfect comfort food, this recipe is sure to disappear quickly! Get ready for rave reviews!

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Baked Beans Quintet image 178
To Go Beans American Oven

Baked Beans Quintet

This hearty Baked Beans Quintet recipe, originally from Better Homes and Gardens and passed down through generations, delivers a rich and savory flavor profile. Sweet and smoky baked beans, perfectly complemented by crispy bacon, tender onions, and aromatic garlic. A comforting classic, perfect for a family gathering or potluck!

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Baked Beans Supreme Aka Gene Brown Beans image 195
Southern United States Preparation Beans Beef Sausage

Baked Beans Supreme Aka Gene Brown Beans

This legendary baked bean recipe comes straight from a BBQ champion—Gene Brown! Passed down through generations, these beans are so good, they'll become a family favorite. Imagine tender beans simmered in a rich, smoky sauce, bursting with flavor. Serve over fluffy rice for a hearty and unforgettable meal. Get ready to experience BBQ bliss!

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Barbecue Beans From The Crock Pot image 164
Main Ingredient Beans Kid Friendly To Go

Barbecue Beans From The Crock Pot

Slow-cooked to perfection, these hearty BBQ beans are a crowd-pleaser! This easy crock-pot recipe delivers tender, flavorful beans in just 4 hours. Get ready for a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or a comforting weeknight meal.

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Bbq Butter Beans image 116
Dietary Dietary Easy Low Cholesterol

Bbq Butter Beans

Escape the ordinary with these unbelievably easy and flavorful BBQ Butter Beans! A delicious twist on classic pork and beans, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together. Sweet, smoky, and incredibly satisfying, these butter beans will become your new favorite side dish (or even main course!).

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