This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Creamy Southern Butter Beans Recipe is cozy, budget-friendly, and makes the perfect side dish. Tender butter beans simmered with onion, garlic, and other spices and ready in 20 minutes.

If you have made Marry Me Butter Beans then you are going to love these creamy Butter Beans Recipe. These beans cook tender, rich taste and are easy to make with simple spices. Start with canned beans and create a dish that everyone will love.
All the ingredients are added to a large pot for a hands-off cooking method. Serve them with Homemade Cornbread Recipe or Popeyes Biscuits Recipe to make sure you get every last drop of the delicious broth.
What's in this post: Butter Beans Recipe
Why You’ll Love Butter Beans
- Creamy Texture – Low, gentle simmer turns the broth cream as beans release starch.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients – Canned Beans, chicken broth, and a few seasonings for a flavorful dish. You can even add a ham hock for added flavor.
- Flexible cooking – Stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot options.
- Great leftovers – Even tastier the next day and they freeze well.
Ingredients

- Olive Oil – Use oil of your choice
- Onion – Finely dice into small pieces
- Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves. Substitute with garlic powder
- Italian Seasoning – See Homemade Italian Seasoning
- Paprika – If you are out, see Best Paprika Substitute
- Salt and Pepper – Simple addition
- Red Pepper Flakes – Optional addition for a hint of spice
- Butter Beans– You can use another canned white beans instead of butter beans in this recipe if you prefer.
- Chicken Broth – Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth.
- Lemon – For the best flavor use fresh lemon juice
- Chopped Parsley – Optional topping
Scroll to the recipe card for the recipe details.
How to Make Butter Beans

Step 1 – Heat the oil in a large pan over medium high heat.

Step 2 – Add in the diced onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onions are soft.

Step 3 – Add in the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for approximately 1 minute until you start to smell the garlic.

Step 4 – Stir in the butter beans and chicken broth.
Step 5 – Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer over medium high heat for 8-12 minutes until the beans are heated through and the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 6 – Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
Step 7 – Serve warm topped with chopped parsley and enjoy!


Butter Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- ½ Onion finely diced
- 4 cloves Garlic minced or 1 Tablespoon pre-minced Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional
- 2 cans Butter Beans drained and rinsed (15 ounces each)
- 1 ½ cups Chicken Broth
- 1 Lemon juiced
- 2 Tablespoons Chopped Parsley optional, for topping
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium high heat.
- Add in the diced onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onions are soft.
- Add in the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for approximately 1 minute until you start to smell the garlic.
- Stir in the butter beans and chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer over medium high heat for 8-12 minutes until the beans are heated through and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Serve warm topped with chopped parsley and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Tips
- Red Pepper Flakes – This recipe does have a slight kick. If you are sensitive to spice, then I recommend not using the red pepper flakes.
- Simmer – When cooking the butter bean mixture, keep the boil at a low simmer so that the beans do not split.
- Other Cooking Methods – Instead of this stovetop version, make butter beans in the slow cooker on low for 6 hours or in the instant pot on high pressure for 25 minutes.
Variations Ideas
- Vegetarian – Use veggie broth, add 1 tsp soy sauce or miso for umami.
- Cajun – Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and ½ cup diced celery then when serving add hot sauce.
- Tomato-Herb – Stir in 1 cup diced tomatoes and 1 tsp thyme in the last 20 minutes.
- Additions – Fold in 2 cups chopped collards or kale for the last 10–15 minutes.

How to Serve Butter Beans
- Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread
- Sliced French Baguette
- Sautéed Green Beans
- Instant pot White Rice Recipe
- Grilled Tomatoes
Frequently Asked Questions
We used canned butter beans but you can also use, Navy Beans, Cannellini Beans and Great Northern beans are great substitution options.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Yes, once the butter beans have cooled to room temperature place in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge when ready to serve and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
More Easy Beans Recipe
Easy Side Dishes
Baked Beans Recipe
Quick and Easy Instant Pot
Instant Pot Baked Beans Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker
Crock Pot Pinto Beans
If you make this Butter Beans Recipe, please let us know how they turned out by leaving a comment. We love to hear from you.
These Butter Beans had a ton of flavor! It was the perfect side dish.