One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans has become my go-to comfort food, a hug in a bowl that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. I still remember the first time I made this dish – the kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of smoky paprika and garlic, making my mouth water. It’s a truly satisfying meal, and learning this marry butter recipe one pot was a game-changer for busy weeknights. The creamy beans, tender vegetables, and perfectly spiced broth come together beautifully, proving that delicious, soul-warming food doesn’t need to be complicated. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Marry Butter Beans
This dish is a winner for so many reasons. You’ll adore the rich, savory flavor profile, which is elevated by the creamy texture of the butter beans. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The taste is out of this world – a delightful blend of spices and tender vegetables that feels so comforting.
- With a prep time of just 15 minutes, it’s a lifesaver on busy evenings.
- It’s a healthier option, packed with fiber from the beans and veggies.
- This recipe is wonderfully budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples.
- It’s a family-pleaser, with a mild flavor that even picky eaters enjoy.
- The concept of a compound butter is brilliant for infusing flavor quickly.
- You get all the benefits of a flavorful compound butter without any extra steps.
Ingredients for One Pot Marry Butter Beans
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step toward a delicious meal. Think of this as the foundation for your one pot compound butter recipe, where each element plays a vital role in creating that signature flavor.
- 2 cups canned butter beans, drained and rinsed – these creamy legumes are the heart of the dish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing our aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced – about 1 cup, providing a sweet base
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that classic savory depth
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) – roughly 1 cup, adding a touch of sweetness and color
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) – these bring moisture and a slight tang
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for that wonderful smoky, slightly sweet flavor
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – adding an earthy warmth
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste) – to enhance all the other flavors
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – for a little kick
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – for a bright, fresh finish
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth) – the liquid that ties everything together
- Optional: 1 cup spinach or kale, roughly chopped – for an extra boost of greens
How to Make One Pot Marry Butter Beans
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, grab a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the 1 medium onion, diced and 1 bell pepper, diced. Sauté these until the onion becomes translucent and the pepper softens, about 5-7 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell amazing!
- Step 3: Stir in the 2 cloves garlic, minced and cook for just 1 minute more until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 4: Add the 2 cups canned butter beans, drained and rinsed, the 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything together until the beans and tomatoes are coated in the spices. This is where our easy one pot butter blend starts to come to life.
- Step 5: Pour in the 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Step 6: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Step 7: If you’re adding greens, now’s the time! Stir in the optional 1 cup spinach or kale, roughly chopped. Cover again and let it cook for another 5 minutes, or until the greens have wilted nicely into the beans.
- Step 8: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for a burst of freshness. This final touch really elevates our easy one pot butter blend.
- Step 9: Serve this hearty and flavorful dish warm. It’s fantastic on its own or paired with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce, or spooned over fluffy rice.
Pro Tips for the Best One Pot Marry Butter Beans
To elevate your One Pot Marry Butter Beans from good to absolutely amazing, try these little tricks I’ve picked up:
- Don’t skip the sautéing step for the onions and peppers; caramelizing them builds a crucial flavor base.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Sometimes the canned beans need a little extra salt or spice.
- If you don’t have butter beans, cannellini or Great Northern beans work beautifully as a substitute.
- For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
What’s the secret to perfect One Pot Marry Butter Beans?
The real magic lies in building layers of flavor. Properly sautéing the aromatics and letting the spices bloom in the pot before adding liquids creates a depth that makes this dish sing. It’s like creating a delicious butter and herb blend one pot from scratch. For more on flavor building, check out these tips for enhancing flavor.
Can I make One Pot Marry Butter Beans ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the bean mixture up to the point of adding the broth and greens, then refrigerate it. When ready to cook, add the broth, simmer, and then add the greens. This makes assembly even faster.
How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pot Marry Butter Beans?
A common pitfall is rushing the sautéing of onions and peppers; give them time to soften and sweeten. Also, be careful not to overcook the beans after adding the broth, as they can become mushy. Stick to the suggested simmer time. Understanding cooking times is key, much like when preparing other one-pot meals.
Best Ways to Serve One Pot Marry Butter Beans
This versatile dish is wonderful on its own, but I love serving it in a few different ways to make it a complete meal. It’s a fantastic canvas for different flavors and textures. For a hearty dinner, this dish is excellent spooned over fluffy rice or quinoa, which soaks up all that delicious sauce.
You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping – it’s perfect for getting every last bit of flavor! If you’re looking for something a bit more robust, consider it as a flavorful side. While this dish is vegetarian, I’ve found it pairs surprisingly well with grilled meats. Think of it as a flavorful accompaniment, similar to how you might use a marry butter for steak one pot, adding a rich, savory element to your plate. For more ideas on pairing, explore these recipe pairings.
Nutrition Facts for One Pot Marry Butter Beans
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious One Pot Marry Butter Beans. It’s a satisfying meal that offers a good balance of macronutrients. For more detailed nutritional information, you can consult resources like the USDA’s guidelines on sodium reduction.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat One Pot Marry Butter Beans
Once your delicious One Pot Marry Butter Beans are cooked, you’ll want to store them properly to enjoy them later. After cooking, let the dish cool down slightly at room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer the beans into airtight containers. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents any unwanted odors from being absorbed. You can store these beans in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Think of this as preserving your own convenient, savory one pot butter spread ready to be enjoyed.
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of options. You can gently warm the beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if they seem a bit dry. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, stirring halfway. Both methods work wonderfully to bring back that comforting flavor and creamy texture. This method is similar to how you might reheat other bean-based dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Marry Butter Beans
What is the best way to make One Pot Marry Butter Beans taste even better?
To really elevate your One Pot Marry Butter Beans, consider adding a tablespoon of a good quality garlic herb butter one pot blend right at the very end, just before serving. This adds an extra layer of richness and aromatic depth that’s simply divine. I also love a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten everything up!
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
You absolutely can use dried butter beans, but it will require a bit more planning. You’ll need to soak them overnight and then cook them until tender before adding them to the pot. This will add significant time to your prep, so for a quick meal, canned beans are definitely the way to go. The flavor is still excellent either way! For tips on cooking dried beans, see this guide on bean preparation.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A large pot or a Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for making One Pot Marry Butter Beans. This ensures even heating and helps to trap the steam, which is crucial for cooking the beans and melding the flavors perfectly. It really lives up to the “one pot” promise!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a little heat, there are a few easy ways to spice up your One Pot Marry Butter Beans! I often add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the smoked paprika and cumin. You could also dice a jalapeño or a serrano pepper and sauté it with the onions and bell peppers. A dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred in at the end also works wonders!
Variations of One Pot Marry Butter Beans You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative! This dish is wonderfully adaptable, and I love experimenting with different flavors and dietary twists. It’s a fantastic base for a truly satisfying meal.
- For a Creamier Texture: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last 5 minutes of simmering. This creates a decadent, richer dish.
- Add Protein: Mix in some cooked shredded chicken, crumbled chorizo, or even some firm tofu for a heartier meal. This is a great way to use up leftovers and make it a complete protein powerhouse.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and peppers for a delightful heat.
- Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate some chopped Kalamata olives and a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving. This quick one pot butter infusion brings a lovely salty, tangy element.

One Pot Marry Butter Beans: 15 Min Magic
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans is a comforting and satisfying dish featuring creamy butter beans with delightful spices and aromatics, perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups canned butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- Optional: 1 cup spinach or kale, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the drained butter beans, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, stirring to mix thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- If using spinach or kale, stir in the greens, cover, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve warm alongside crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh ingredients.
- Adjust spices to your preference.
- A squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the dish.
- Experiment with other spices like curry powder or Italian seasoning.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Add cooked chorizo or shredded chicken for extra richness.
- Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamier texture.
- Mix in other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or corn.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: One Pot Marry Butter, Marry Butter recipe, compound butter, butter blend, seasoned butter, garlic herb butter