Marry Me Butter Beans

Imagine soft, velvety Marry Me Butter Beans that practically melt in your mouth, coated in a silky garlic butter sauce that’s so irresistibly good it might just prompt a marriage proposal. These creamy, flavor-packed beans strike the perfect balance between comfort food and elegant dish, making them suitable for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. Marry Me Butter Beans have earned their charming name from their reputation for being so delicious that they’ve inspired marriage proposals! You’ll learn how to create this simple yet impressive dish that transforms humble butter beans into a meal worth celebrating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Marry Me Butter Beans are about to become your new favorite dish for so many reasons. First, they’re incredibly versatile—equally at home as a main dish served with crusty bread or as a side dish alongside your protein of choice. The contrast between the creamy, tender beans and the rich, herb-infused oil creates a textural experience that’s deeply satisfying.

What makes this dish truly special is how it elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The beans develop a buttery texture that absorbs the aromatic flavors of garlic, herbs, and lemon, creating layers of flavor in every bite. Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of richness and brightness.

Perhaps best of all, these luxurious butter beans come together with minimal effort. With just about 10 minutes of active preparation time and mostly passive cooking, you’ll create a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. It’s the ultimate low-effort, high-reward recipe that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds—and maybe even popping the question!

Ingredients

For perfect Marry Me Butter Beans, you’ll need:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (not minced)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

The star of this dish is obviously the butter beans, also known as lima beans. Their naturally buttery texture makes them perfect for this recipe. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor profile. The combination of fresh herbs—rosemary and parsley—adds aromatic depth that dried herbs simply can’t match, while the lemon provides essential brightness that balances the rich, buttery sauce.

Pro Tips

Select the Right Beans
For the most luxurious Marry Me Butter Beans, drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess starch and sodium. If you prefer using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them separately until just tender before adding to the recipe. This prevents the beans from breaking down while ensuring they’re perfectly creamy. The ideal butter bean should hold its shape but yield easily when bitten.

Master the Infusion Process
The magic happens when you infuse the oil and butter with aromatics. Keep the heat medium-low—you want to see tiny bubbles around the garlic, not a vigorous fry. This slow infusion allows the flavors to develop fully without burning the garlic, which would impart bitterness. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant but not brown.

Create the Perfect Sauce Consistency
The secret to that irresistible silky sauce is in the final steps. After adding the beans to the infused oil, introduce the broth gradually while gently stirring. Then, remove from heat before adding the lemon juice and zest. This prevents the sauce from becoming too thin while ensuring the bright lemon flavor remains fresh and vibrant. Allow the beans to rest for 5 minutes before serving—this resting period allows the beans to absorb more flavor while the sauce reaches the perfect consistency.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
Begin by thinly slicing 6 garlic cloves—slicing rather than mincing creates beautiful, tender pieces that infuse flavor without overwhelming the dish. Zest your lemon, then cut it in half and squeeze to extract the juice (you’ll need about 2 tablespoons). Strip the rosemary leaves from their stems and roughly chop the parsley, setting aside some for garnish.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base
In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, combine the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted completely, add the sliced garlic, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the garlic to become fragrant and slightly golden—not brown. This slow infusion creates the aromatic foundation of your Marry Me Butter Beans.

Step 3: Add the Beans
Drain and rinse your butter beans thoroughly, then carefully add them to the skillet. Gently fold them into the infused oil, taking care not to break them. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, occasionally giving the skillet a gentle shake rather than stirring too much.

Step 4: Finish the Dish
Remove the skillet from heat once the beans are heated through and the liquid has reduced slightly. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley, gently folding them in. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the beans now and give everything a final gentle stir. Let the Marry Me Butter Beans rest for 5 minutes—this allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your beans to a serving dish, spooning plenty of the silky sauce over the top. Finish with a drizzle of your best olive oil, the reserved fresh parsley, and an extra crack of black pepper. Serve immediately with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. Watch as your guests fall in love with each creamy, flavor-packed bite of your Marry Me Butter Beans.

Variations

Mediterranean Marry Me Beans
Transform your Marry Me Butter Beans with Mediterranean flavors by adding 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, and 2 tablespoons capers to the skillet when you add the broth. Substitute the rosemary with fresh oregano and finish with crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan. The briny olives and capers add delightful pops of flavor that complement the creamy beans beautifully.

Spicy Tuscan Butter Beans
For a heartier version with a kick, add 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and double the red pepper flakes. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, fold in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach until just wilted. The earthy spinach and sweet-tart tomatoes create a vibrant Tuscan-inspired dish that works wonderfully as a complete meal. Serve with a poached egg on top for added richness.

Vegan Marry Me Beans
Create a plant-based version by substituting the butter with plant-based butter and omitting the Parmesan (or using a vegan alternative). Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and increase the lemon juice slightly to enhance brightness. This version maintains all the creaminess and flavor that makes Marry Me Butter Beans so special while accommodating vegan dietary preferences.

Storage and Serving

Marry Me Butter Beans actually improve in flavor overnight as the beans continue to absorb the aromatic sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth and warm gently over low heat or in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each interval to prevent overheating, which can cause the beans to break apart.

For an elegant main course, serve Marry Me Butter Beans with a side of lemon-dressed arugula and plenty of crusty bread for sopping up the delicious sauce. The peppery arugula provides a perfect contrast to the rich, creamy beans.

As a spectacular side dish, pair these beans with a simply roasted fish like sea bass or cod. The beans complement the delicate fish beautifully without overwhelming it.

For a hearty brunch option, serve warm Marry Me Butter Beans topped with poached eggs and a sprinkle of dukkah or za’atar seasoning. The runny yolks mix with the sauce to create an even more luxurious experience that’s perfect for weekend entertaining.

FAQs

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes! Soak 1 cup of dried butter beans overnight, then cook them separately until just tender (about 45-60 minutes) before adding them to the recipe. This extra step enhances the texture and flavor of your Marry Me Butter Beans.

What can I substitute for butter beans if I can’t find them?
Great Northern beans or cannellini beans make excellent substitutes. They have a similar creamy texture, though slightly smaller in size than traditional butter beans.

Is this dish spicy with the red pepper flakes?
The standard recipe creates a mild warmth rather than significant heat. You can easily adjust by reducing the red pepper flakes to 1/4 teaspoon for a more subtle flavor or increasing to 1.5 teaspoons if you prefer more heat in your Marry Me Butter Beans.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, many people find the flavor improves after the beans rest in their sauce. Prepare up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat before serving, adding a splash of broth if needed.

What makes these called “Marry Me” Butter Beans?
The name comes from the tradition of dishes so delicious they’ve supposedly inspired marriage proposals! Like their cousins “Engagement Chicken” and “Marry Me Pasta,” these beans have earned their romantic name from being impressively delicious despite their simplicity.

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