Creamy 4 Ingredient Garlic Butter Beans

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Made with just 4 main ingredients.
• Ready in around 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Creamy, comforting and packed with flavour.
• High in fibre and a good source of plant-based protein.
• Perfect as a light meal, lunch or side dish.

Is This Recipe Healthy?

Yes. These garlic butter beans offer a good balance of protein, fibre and healthy carbohydrates.

Butter beans are naturally rich in fibre, which supports digestive health and helps keep you feeling fuller for longer. They're also a good source of plant-based protein, folate, iron and potassium. Plus, the Parmesan adds calcium! 

Key Tips and Guidance

• Use good-quality Parmesan or vegetarian Italian hard cheese for the best flavour.
• If your butter beans are packed in salted water, drain them and add fresh water instead.
• Lightly mash some of the beans to create a naturally creamy sauce.
• Cook the garlic gently to avoid burning and bitterness.
• Taste before adding salt, as both the beans and Parmesan may already contain seasoning.

Ingredients

Butter

Garlic

Butter beans

Parmesan or vegetarian Italian hard cheese

Salt and black pepper

Fresh parsley (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Garlic

Heat the butter in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook until lightly golden and fragrant.

Add the Butter Beans

If the butter beans are packed in unsalted water, add the beans and their liquid to the pan. If they're packed in salted water, drain them and add the beans along with a splash of fresh water.

Add the Parmesan

Stir through most of the grated Parmesan, reserving a little for serving. Allow it to melt into the cooking liquid.

Simmer and Mash

Simmer gently for a few minutes. Lightly mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon while leaving plenty whole for texture.

Season and Serve

Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Finish with the remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.

Substitutions

• Swap the butter for olive oil.
• Use a vegetarian Italian hard cheese instead of Parmesan.
• Add spinach, kale or peas for extra vegetables.
• Use vegan cheese and butter (or olive oil) for a vegan friendly version.

How to Store and Use Leftovers

Store leftover garlic butter beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

Reheat gently in a saucepan (or microwave) with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Leftovers are delicious:

• Spoonfuls over toast
• Stirred through pasta
• Added to soups and stews
• Served with baked potatoes
• Tucked into grain bowls

What to Eat With

• Crusty bread or sourdough toast
• A simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Fried or poached eggs
• Grilled mushrooms
• Grilled chicken or fish if serving as a side dish

FAQ

Can I use dried butter beans?

Yes. Cook them according to the packet instructions before using. You'll need about 240g of cooked beans. 

Can I freeze garlic butter beans?

Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Or defrost in the microwave!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes. Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter and use a dairy-free hard cheese alternative.

Why aren't my butter beans creamy?

The creaminess comes from mashing some of the beans and allowing the starches to thicken the cooking liquid. If needed, mash a few more beans and simmer for an extra minute or two.

Can I serve these garlic butter beans as a main meal?

Absolutely. Serve with crusty bread, a salad or roasted vegetables for a simple and satisfying meal.