This soft and creamy butter beans recipe takes just over an hour to make and is the perfect accompaniment to a hearty meal. Butter beans are a classic comfort food with a thick creamy broth flavored with garlic and ham – a match made in heaven that is sure to please your guests!

 Why this recipe works

Lima Beans (also called butter beans) are full of protein and fiber to help you feel satisfied long after eating. Homemade butter beans are a classic comfort food for good reason! The combination of large dried butter beans, smoked ham hock, onion, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and water brings out the best flavor in this delicious dish.

The smoked ham hock adds a smoky flavor and texture to the beans, while the onion and celery add a subtle sweetness. Garlic brings a nice kick of heat, while the bay leaf contributes an earthy note.

The key to this butter bean recipe is to let it simmer for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together and every lima bean to soften. 

This is a great recipe to make ahead of time, as it tastes even better the next day after all those delicious flavors have had more time to develop.

This easy butter beans recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. It’s also budget-friendly and makes a tasty side dish or comforting one-bowl meal.

For more delicious recipes with beans, check out our white bean chicken soup, green bean casserole, or vegetarian enchilada casserole for your next meal.

Key Ingredients

This easy butter beans recipe calls for just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Dried lima beans – Rich in protein and fiber, these large lima beans are the star of this dish. The cooked beans become soft, buttery, and tender and help to thicken the broth.

Olive oil – A splash of olive oil adds flavor and helps to sauté the onions and celery.

Onions, celery, and garlic – The trio adds an abundance of flavor to the dish, which blends nicely with the buttery bean.

Ham hock – Adding smoked ham hock to the beans provides texture and a smokiness with tender pieces of meat and a delicious flavor that you can feel in every bite.

Seasoning – Bay leaf, salt, and pepper are the perfect accents for this dish and help to bring out all of the flavors.

Water – The water helps to cook the beans and creates a delicious broth.

Garnishes – Hot sauce, chopped fresh herbs, or even some diced tomatoes all bring extra flavor and texture to the dish.

Substitutions

If you don’t have the ingredients listed above to make this recipe, here are some substitutions that you can use:

Ham hocks

If you want to use other smoked meats instead of ham, try smoked turkey legs, cooked bacon, chorizo, or kielbasa to add flavor and texture.

Broth

You can substitute the water for vegetable or chicken broth if you want more flavor.

Olive oil

Any other type of cooking oil can be substituted for olive oil, such as avocado or vegetable oil.

Onion and celery

Use diced bell peppers instead of onion and celery for a different flavor profile.

Garlic

Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic if needed.

How to make

Making butter beans is so easy that it’ll become your go-to recipe! All you have to do is sauté the vegetables, add the ham hock and beans with water and seasonings, and simmer for 2 hours until the beans are tender. That’s it – you have a tasty meal in no time.

Preparations

• Rinse the beans under running water to remove debris and juices if using canned beans.
• Finely dice the onion, celery, and garlic.

Cooking instructions

Step 1
Set a Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the celery and onion for 5 to 6 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant.

Step 2
And the fresh lima beans, ham hock, bay leaf, water, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let it come to a boil.

Step 3
Once it starts boiling, turn the heat down to low so that it’s just about boiling, and cook for 20 minutes. Turn the heat down to a simmer, cover the Dutch oven with a lid, and cook for 1 – 1 ½ hours until the beans are soft and tender.

Step 4
Remove the bay leaf and ham hock from the pot and dice or shred the meat.

Step 5
Return the meat back into the pot and stir into the beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6
Serve the creamy beans with your selection of garnish, and enjoy!

Cooking tips

Submerge the beans

Make sure the beans are fully covered with water while they are cooking. If the water evaporates too much, you may need to add more during cooking time.

Cooking time

Cooking beans can take some time, so be sure to simmer on low heat and let the beans cook until they are tender. This can take between 1 to 2 hours, depending on how soft you like them.

Recipe Variations

These butter beans are perfectly spiced and have the best creamy texture, but if you want to give the dish extra flavor, try one of these variations:

Kielbasa butter beans

Slice and sauté 2 kielbasa sausages before adding the onions and celery, and add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika when adding the beans and ham hock. The smokey meaty flavor from the kielbasa will add a delicious flavor to the dish.

Spiced butter beans

To give your butter beans a nice kick of heat, add 1 sliced jalapeno to the pot with ½ teaspoon of chili powder just before simmering.

What to serve with

Butter beans are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides for a delicious meal. Here are some of our favorite sides to serve with butter beans:

Bread

Warm, fluffy jalapeno cheddar cornbread or Texas Roadhouse rolls are the perfect accompaniment to butter beans as it soaks up the delicious smoky flavor of the ham hock.

Mashed potatoes

Butter beans can be served over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner that will satisfy even the pickiest eater. Try our delicious sour cream mashed potatoes recipe and top it with a spoonful of melted butter for an extra boost of flavor.

Biscuits

If you want something lighter than bread, then the best buttermilk biscuits are what you need to pair with the creamy butter beans. They’re easy to make and have a light, fluffy texture – you could also make biscuits & gravy or even chicken and biscuits for a heartier meal.

Frequently asked questions

Storing and reheating

If you have leftover butter beans, you can store them and eat them another day once cooled.

Fridge – store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer – store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Reheating – butter beans can be microwaved or heated on the stovetop until hot. If reheating on the stovetop, you may need to add additional liquid as some of it will evaporate.

Related comfort food recipes

If you’re looking for comforting vegetarian recipes, try our 22 hearty vegetarian comfort food recipes. For a taste of Southern cuisine, check out our 45 Southern comfort food recipes that are sure to please!

Serving size

This recipe makes 8 servings of butter beans. Each serving is approximately 1 cup, and the serving quantity can easily be scaled to feed more guests.

Butter beans are a great source of fiber, protein, and minerals and can be enjoyed as part of a hearty meal. Serve with your favorite sides for the ultimate comfort food experience, and let us know what you think in the comments!

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