15 Canned Butter Beans Recipes – Happy Muncher (2024)

Theserecipes with canned butter beansare no joke!

I mean, sure, you could just open a can of butter beans and eat them as is.

But why would you do that when there are so many delicious things that you could make with them?

From soups and stews to dips and spreads, there are endless possibilities when it comes to recipes with canned butter beans.

So if you are looking for some inspiration, then you have come to the right place.

I’ve rounded up 15 of my favorite recipes with canned butter beans for you to try.

15 Canned Butter Beans Recipes – Happy Muncher (1)

Table of Contents

15 Recipes with Canned Butter Beans

Canned butter beans are a great way to add protein, fiber, and nutrients to your diet.

And since they’re already cooked, they’re super easy to use in a variety of recipes.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when cooking with canned butter beans:

  • First, make sure to drain and rinse the beans before using them in a recipe. This will help remove any excess sodium or chemicals that may be present in the canning process.
  • Next, decide whether or not you want to mash the beans before adding them to your recipe. Mashed beans will add a creamier texture, while whole beans will retain more of their shape and texture.
  • Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are tons of possibilities when it comes to recipes with canned butter beans. So experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find a combination you love.

Need some inspiration?

Try one of these 15 canned butter bean recipes:

Lemon Garlic Butter Bean Salad

Big creamy butter beans marinated in a lemon vinaigrette that’s simple to make and so flavorful.

This easy butter bean salad is perfect as a side dish or light main course.

How I’d Add More Flavor

If you want to add a little more flavor to this recipe, try roasting the butter beans before adding them to the salad.

Roasting brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor in the beans that pairs perfectly with the bright lemon vinaigrette.

Spanish Butter Beans with Tomatoes

How about some Spanish-style butter beans for your next Meatless Monday?

This recipe is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up that can of butter beans that’s been sitting in your pantry for who knows how long.

How I’d Add More Flavor

If you’re looking for a little more flavor, try adding some smoked paprika or cumin to the recipe.

You could also top the dish with some crumbled feta cheese or chopped parsley for a little extra zing.

Easy Butter Beans, Paprika, and Piquillo Peppers

This pantry-based canned butter bean recipe is packed full of flavor and perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Add a little extra paprika and piquillo peppers for extra flavor and heat.

How I’d Add More Flavor

I would add more flavor to this recipe by adding some extra paprika and piquillo peppers.

This would give the dish a little extra heat and flavor.

Sausage and Butter Beans in Onion Gravy

I love sausage in almost any form, so this recipe would be perfect for a weekend brunch or a casual dinner party.

The gravy is hearty and flavorful, and the butter beans add a nice creamy texture.

How I’d Add More Flavor

If you want a little more zing in your gravy, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.

You could also swap out the butter beans for another type of bean, like kidney beans or black-eyed peas.

For a heartier dish, try serving it over some cooked rice or quinoa.

Canned Butter Bean Hummus

Vegan and oil-free with just a handful of healthy ingredients, this easy butter bean hummus is perfect for a snack or light meal.

I like to enjoy it with some fresh cut vegetables and whole grain crackers, but it would also be great spread on a sandwich or wrap.

How I’d Add More Flavor

If you’re looking for a little more flavor in your butter bean hummus, try adding in a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika.

You could also mix in some roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a bit of sweetness and color.

Easy Canned Butter Beans

This vegan recipe uses canned butter beans for an easy, healthy, and delicious meal.

I would serve this recipe for a quick lunch or dinner.

How I’d Add More Flavor

To add more flavor to this recipe, I would add a spice such as cumin or chili powder.

I would also add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.

Butter Bean Potato Soup

Creamy, wholesome, and delicious, this oil-free, low-fat Butter Bean Potato Soup is the perfect meal for a winter night.

It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and can easily be made oil-free and low-fat.

How I’d Add More Flavor

  • To give this soup a little more flavor, I like to add in a few cloves of garlic.
  • I also like to top it with some fresh parsley or chives.
  • For a little bit of heat, you could also add in a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Sausage, Tomato & Butter Bean Bake

If you want something warm and comforting, this Sausage, Tomato & Butter Bean Bake is perfect.

It’s great for a winter dinner or a rainy day lunch.

How I’d Add More Flavor

If you want to add more flavor to this dish, try adding some chopped garlic or onion to the sausage before cooking it.

You could also add some red pepper flakes to give it a little bit of a kick.

Tuscan Ribollita Soup with Greens & Canned Butter Beans

A hearty, tomato-based Tuscan ribollita soup with toasted bread, greens, butter beans, and parmesan cheese is the perfect winter meal.

This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.

Add a green salad and some crusty bread to round out the meal.

How I’d Add More Flavor

If you want to add more flavor to this soup, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh herbs like basil or thyme.

You could also add a Parmesan rind to the soup while it’s simmering to really boost the flavor.

Canned Butter Bean Casserole

Who doesn’t love a good casserole?

This dish is perfect for a potluck, family gathering, or even a weeknight meal.

Canned butter beans are a great way to add some extra protein and fiber to your diet, and they’re also a budget-friendly option.

This casserole is hearty and filling, but can also be easily customized to your liking.

How I’d Add More Flavor

There are a few ways you can add more flavor to this casserole.

  • First, try adding some chopped onions or garlic to the mix.
  • You could also add in some diced tomatoes, green peppers, or other vegetables of your choice.
  • If you’re looking for a little more spice, try adding in some chili powder, cumin, or paprika.
  • And of course, you can always top your casserole with some shredded cheese, diced onions, or green onions.

Creamy Butter Beans with Chive Cilantro Basil Lemon Oil

Creamy, flavorful, and definitely a crowd-pleaser, this recipe for butter beans would be perfect for a summer potluck or backyard BBQ.

The bright flavors of the lemon oil, chives, cilantro, and basil really shine through, making it a perfect dish to enjoy in the warm weather.

How I’d Add More Flavor

If you’re looking to add a bit more flavor to this dish, I would recommend adding in some smoked paprika or cumin.

Both of these spices would complement the existing flavors nicely and add a bit of depth to the dish.

One-Pot Italian Sausage, Spinach + Butter Beans

I’ve made this sausage skillet dish on busy weeknights when I need to get dinner on the table fast.

It’s also perfect for weekend meal prep – make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week long.

How I’d Add More Flavor

If you want to add more flavor to this dish, try using hot Italian sausage instead of mild.

You could also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet when you cook the sausage.

Roast Carrot, Shallot, Butter Bean & Dill Salad

This beautiful and healthy salad just sings summertime to me.

I’d serve it along grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing lunch.

How I’d Add More Flavor

I would definitely add some feta cheese to this salad.

The creamy, salty cheese would be a perfect complement to the sweetness of the carrots and the acidity of the lemon juice.

I would also add a bit more dill.

I love the flavor of dill and think it really brightens up this dish.

Crispy Grilled Feta with Saucy Butter Beans

I love feta, whether it’s in a salad, on a pizza, or by itself as a snack.

This recipe would be perfect for a summer BBQ.

The crispy feta pairs perfectly with the saucy butter beans, and the grilled bread adds a nice smokey flavor.

How I’d Add More Flavor

If you’re looking for a bit more of a flavor punch, I would recommend adding some chopped garlic to the butter beans.

You could also add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes to the feta for some heat.

Chorizo and Butter Bean Stew

Packed with Spanish flavors and extra nutritious, this chorizo and butter bean stew is the perfect meal to fuel up for a busy day.

I love serving it for lunch or dinner with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping.

How I’d Add More Flavor

If you’re looking for an extra boost of flavor, try stirring in a spoonful of smoked paprika when you add the chorizo to the pot.

You could also top each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.

15 Canned Butter Beans Recipes – Happy Muncher (2)

15 Canned Butter Beans Recipes

As a home cook, you probably have a few cans of butter beans in your pantry. But what do you do with them?

This post will give you 15 recipes for canned butter beans, so you can enjoy them in a variety of dishes.

From simple sides to hearty main dishes, there's a recipe here for everyone.

So whether you're looking for a new way to use up those butter beans, or you're just curious about what you can do with them, be sure to check out this post!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  • Lemon Garlic Butter Bean Salad
  • Spanish Butter Beans with Tomatoes
  • Easy Butter Beans, Paprika, and Piquillo Peppers
  • Sausage and Butter Beans in Onion Gravy
  • Canned Butter Bean Hummus
  • Easy Canned Butter Beans
  • Butter Bean Potato Soup
  • Sausage, Tomato & Butter Bean Bake
  • Tuscan Ribollita Soup with Greens & Canned Butter Beans
  • Canned Butter Bean Casserole
  • Creamy Butter Beans with Chive Cilantro Basil Lemon Oil
  • One-Pot Italian Sausage, Spinach + Butter Beans
  • Roast Carrot, Shallot, Butter Bean & Dill Salad
  • Crispy Grilled Feta with Saucy Butter Beans
  • Chorizo and Butter Bean Stew

Instructions

  • Pick any of these recipes to use up those canned butter beans.

  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.

  • Enjoy in no time!

Keyword Canned Butter Beans Recipes

Benjamin

CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.

15 Canned Butter Beans Recipes – Happy Muncher (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat butter beans straight from the tin? ›

From the tin – not a cooking method, but butter beans and be enjoyed straight from the can. Try scattering them in a salad or alongside a sharp, salty cheese with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs.

How to fancy up canned beans? ›

You can add crushed whole seeds (coriander, cumin, fennel, mustard, etc.), woodsy herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage), red pepper flakes, crushed garlic cloves, and of course salt and pepper.

Are canned butter beans good for you? ›

Butter Beans are a fantastically healthy ingredient – they're high in protein and fibre, and they're an excellent source of carbohydrates. Low in fat and calories but high in folate, starch and iron, they're one of the best store cupboard ingredients there is.

What is the difference between lima beans and butter beans? ›

Well, rest assured; the two are actually one in the same. There's no difference between lima beans and butter beans, though sometimes they're sold at different stages of maturity. As a matter of fact, our Large Lima Beans packaging actually states Butter Beans in parentheses, just to clarify.

Should you drain canned butter beans? ›

Unless the recipe tells you to keep the canned beans in their liquid, you should drain your can and give the beans a good rinse before using. This will improve the flavor and texture of your finished dish. Open your cans of beans using a can opener.

What is the healthiest bean you can eat? ›

The 7 Healthiest Beans to Eat, According to Dietitians
  1. Lentils. Lentils are rich in polyphenols, plant-based compounds that have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. ...
  2. White Beans. ...
  3. Black Beans. ...
  4. Chickpeas. ...
  5. Pinto Beans. ...
  6. Red Kidney Beans. ...
  7. Lupini Beans.
Aug 14, 2023

How to jazz up canned beans? ›

How To Make Doctored Up Baked Beans
  1. Preheat oven to 375F.
  2. Drain one-third to one-half of the juice from the baked bean cans. ...
  3. Season to taste with kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes - 1 hour; the beans will be bubbly + caramelized on the top.
Jun 6, 2022

What can I add to beans for flavor? ›

As for herbs, woody types like thyme, sage, and rosemary, are also great — add those in with the beans and water. I always add bay leaves at this stage, too, since they bring that herbaceous can't-put-your-finger-on-it flavor.

How to make canned beans tastier? ›

I like to sprinkle in some taco seasoning, but you could add whatever spices you like — garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder are all good calls. Then, you mash the beans up directly in the pan and add just a little bit of vinegar at the end to really make the beans sing.

Are butter beans healthier than pasta? ›

Beans tend to be healthier than pasta since they contain more nutrients than white pasta alone. Similar to chickpeas and lentils, beans are excellent sources of fiber and plant-based protein. Easily incorporated into various dishes, beans have several health benefits including promoting a healthy gut and heart.

Can I eat butter beans every day? ›

To put it simply, yes, butter beans can be classed as a healthy and nutrient-dense food. If you're struggling for inspiration on how to get more of them into your diet, then we've added some tasty plant-based recipes at the bottom of this article.

Are butter beans good for blood pressure? ›

All beans and peas can help lower blood pressure due to their high content of fiber, potassium, and magnesium.

Are Great northern beans and butter beans the same? ›

For starters, butter beans grow from the Phaseolus lunatus plant while cannellini beans, like navy, and great northern beans grow from the Phaseolus vulgaris plant.

What is the American version of butter beans? ›

Lima Beans. While they're all the same bean botanically, butter beans have different names depending on the region. In the South and in the United Kingdom, they're typically referred to as butter beans. Elsewhere in the U.S., they're known as lima beans (named for Lima, Peru, the bean's point of origin).

What is the American equivalent of butter beans? ›

Other than what they're called and sometimes their color, butter beans and lima beans are exactly the same. Their species is called Phaseolus lunatus and the difference in their name is only a matter of geography. In the American South and the United Kingdom, they're butter beans.

Is it OK to eat canned beans without cooking? ›

Canned beans are the good kind of fast food because they're already cooked, which is a great time-saver for participants. They're convenient, ready-to-eat and can be served straight from the can (though rinsing and draining first is recommended) or quickly warmed in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can you eat butter beans without cooking? ›

If you're purchasing or preparing freshly shucked butter beans it's important to remember NOT to eat the beans before cooking. Lima and butter beans contain a substance called linamarin and if they are eaten raw forms hydrogen cyanide which is poisonous.

Are butter beans ready to eat? ›

Nice cooked in a griddle pan, or put some in a plain soup, or eat as they are.

Do canned beans need to be cooked? ›

Canned beans are already cooked. They cost a little more than dried beans, but are still a great buy because they are fast and convenient. Just remember to rinse them first to wash away some of the sodium (salt) or buy canned beans with no added salt.

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