Butter Beans

Phaseolus lunatus Legume

Butter Beans Legume

At a Glance

  • Category Legume

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

Large, creamy, kidney-shaped beans known for their mild, starchy flavor and smooth texture, often used in stews and salads.

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.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Butter Beans are:

Mild Starchy Earthy Nutty (subtle)

Chef’s Secret

For extra creaminess, simmer cooked butter beans with a splash of milk or cream and a bay leaf, then mash slightly before serving.

Best Substitutes

Great Northern Beans

Ratio 1:1

Cannellini Beans

Ratio 1:1

Navy Beans

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for uniform size and color in dried beans. Canned beans should have intact cans and clear liquid.

Recipes Using Butter Beans

Preparation Number Of Servings Time To Make For Large Groups

Baked Beans With 5 Kinds Of Beans

This recipe, passed down through generations, delivers a mouthwatering baked bean experience! A symphony of five different beans, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, sweet and savory sauce. Customize the sweetness to your liking with adjustable brown sugar, mustard, and maple syrup. Get ready for the most comforting and delicious baked beans you've ever tasted!

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Healthy Time To Make Low Fat Healthy 2

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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Holiday Event Beans Beef Preparation

Barbecued Beans With Ground Beef

This crowd-pleasing Barbecued Beans with Ground Beef recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a comforting weeknight meal! Save time by prepping the bacon ahead – it’s delicious and adds amazing depth. Customize the spice level with optional jalapeños, and adjust the brown sugar for your preferred sweetness. This recipe makes a generous portion, easily feeding a crowd. Serve over rice for a complete meal! You'll love this unforgettable taste!

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Spicy Dietary Preparation Vegan

Ain T No Beans About It Vegan Chili

Warm up on a chilly evening with this hearty and flavorful vegan chili! Made with simple pantry staples, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with deliciousness. Perfect for a Lenten meal or any night you crave comforting, plant-based goodness. Serve with crusty bread for dipping!

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North American Oven Chick Peas Garbanzos Time To Make

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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Side Dishes Presentation 4 Hours Or Less Cuisine

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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Time To Make Yams Sweet Potatoes Course 30 Minutes Or Less

Autumn Quinoa Butter Beans

Warm up your autumn with this vibrant and flavorful quinoa and butter bean recipe! Sweet potatoes and butternut squash blend beautifully with warming spices like coriander and cardamom, creating a comforting and delicious meal. Skip the quinoa rinse – we've got you covered! This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive fall gathering.

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Side Dishes Time To Make Equipment 4 Hours Or Less

Big Bean Pot

This hearty Big Bean Pot recipe is perfect for your next potluck or barbecue! Feed a crowd with this incredibly versatile dish – easily doubled and adaptable to your pantry staples. Swap bacon for ham or your favorite sausage, and use black beans if you prefer. Cook it low and slow in a crockpot or bake it to bubbly perfection in the oven. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Dietary Weeknight Side Dishes Main Ingredient

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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Vegan Main Dish Beans Time To Make

Bean Hotpot

Inspired by Karen Martini's Better Homes and Gardens recipe, this hearty bean hotpot is a flavor explosion! While it simmers, the rich and complex flavors develop, creating a dish well worth the time. This adaptable recipe uses readily available ingredients and allows you to adjust the spice level to your preference. Serve it over fluffy rice with a vibrant avocado-lime salsa and creamy yogurt for a truly unforgettable meal.

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Ground Beef Meat Dietary 4 Hours Or Less

Better Than Great Baked Beans

This award-winning baked bean recipe combines the best elements from family favorites and classic recipes, resulting in a rich, savory, and unbelievably delicious side dish. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a comforting weeknight meal! Get ready for melt-in-your-mouth beans with a smoky-sweet flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. This recipe is easily adaptable for both oven and slow cooker methods.

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Equipment Vegetables American Cuisine

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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To Go Pork Ground Beef Weeknight

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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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Roast Beef North American

Beef Stew The Old Fashioned Way

Experience the rich, hearty flavors of home-style beef stew! This classic recipe uses readily available ingredients like blade steak, arm roast, or chuck roast (3 lbs total) for maximum tenderness. Customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables – fresh or frozen – making it a perfect weeknight meal or comforting weekend dish. We provide a flexible base recipe, so feel free to add your own twist! No exotic ingredients needed, just simple goodness.

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Dietary 4 Hours Or Less Healthy 2 Main Ingredient

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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4 Hours Or Less Side Dishes Beans 4 Hours Or Less

3 Bean Baked Beans

This recipe for 3-Bean Baked Beans is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Tender beans simmered in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a comforting weeknight meal. Easily tripled for larger groups.

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Low Calorie Easy Low In Something 4 Hours Or Less

Barbecued Butter Beans

These easy and delicious barbecued butter beans are a crowd-pleaser! Perfect for your next cookout or backyard barbecue, this recipe delivers tender, flavorful beans with a smoky, sweet, and tangy glaze. A family favorite, passed down and perfected, these beans are guaranteed to be a hit.

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Main Ingredient Dietary 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make

Bean Bob

This hearty and flavorful Bean Bob Bake is the perfect side dish to elevate any meal! From juicy burgers and hot dogs to savory pork chops and chicken, this comforting casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Imagine tender beans simmered with crispy bacon, sweet onions, and your favorite BBQ sauce – it's pure deliciousness on a cool night. Get ready to savor every bite!

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