Forktionary

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.

Culinary Pairings

Smoked ham rosemary sage tomatoes garlic collard greens cornbread

Recipes Using Butter Beans

One Pot Dinner image 140
Beef Easy One Dish Meal Beans

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 134
Side Dishes 4 Hours Or Less Low Cholesterol Course

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 106
Taste Mood Main Ingredient Side Dishes Time To Make

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 147
Cuisine Low Cholesterol North American 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 161
4 Hours Or Less Weeknight Preparation Time To Make

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 114
Main Ingredient Potluck Pennsylvania Dutch American

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 133
Southern United States Chick Peas Garbanzos Course Weeknight

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 168
North American Beef Sausage Cuisine Chicken

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 146
Kid Friendly Easy Dietary One Dish Meal

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
Healthy 2 Course 4 Hours Or Less Side Dishes

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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