Short Description

A simple yet flavorful dish of tender butter beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce, seasoned with garlic and fresh basil for a cozy, wholesome side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because:

It combines creamy butter beans with tangy tomato sauce for comforting depth.
Butter, garlic, and fresh basil create aromatic richness.
It’s quick to prepare and versatile as a side or a light vegan meal (observe butter substitutions if vegan).
Satisfying and perfect for pairing with rice, bread, or a crisp green salad.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups cooked butter beans (lima beans)
1 cup tomato sauce
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 Tbsp butter (or a vegan butter alternative)
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper

Directions

Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic
Heat a pan over medium heat. Melt the butter until bubbling. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, or until fragrant.
Add Tomato Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, bringing it gently to a simmer.
Add Beans and Seasoning
Add the cooked butter beans to the tomato sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Simmer
Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld.
Finish With Basil
Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves for bright herbal aroma.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 3–4 side-dish portions (or 2 as a light main with bread or salad)
Prep Time: ~5 minutes (mostly gathering and chopping basil and garlic)
Cook Time: ~15–17 minutes (pasta-toasting, simmering)
Total Time: Around 20–25 minutes

Variations

Use canned butter beans (drained and rinsed) instead of cooked-from-scratch beans.
Substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Add sautéed onions or red bell pepper early for extra flavor and color.
Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end for extra richness.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle of chili oil for heat.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate cooled beans in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
You can also microwave portions in short intervals, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Are Butter Beans the Same as Lima Beans?

Yes—”butter beans” is another name for large lima beans. They become creamy when cooked and absorb flavors well.

Can I Use Canned Beans?

Absolutely—canned butter beans are convenient. Drain, rinse them, and skip cooking beans from scratch.

Is This Recipe Vegan-Friendly?

It can be. Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of dairy butter to make it fully plant-based.

Can I Add Other Herbs?

Yes—oregano, thyme, or chopped parsley can be stirred in with or instead of the basil for different flavor notes.

Is This Dish Spicy?

No—not by default. You can add crushed red pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce for a spicy version.

What Can I Serve With Tomato Basil Butter Beans?

They pair well with crusty bread, rice, polenta, grilled vegetables, or tossed into a green salad for a hearty meal.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes—you can fully prepare and refrigerate it. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave while stirring gently.

How Do I Keep the Sauce From Sticking?

Use a nonstick or well-seasoned pan and stir periodically, especially as the sauce thickens.

Can I Freeze This Dish?

Yes—freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

What If the Sauce Is Too Thick?

You can adjust consistency by stirring in a little water or broth while reheating.

Conclusion

Tomato Basil Butter Beans is a quick, flavorful dish that blends creamy beans with tangy tomato and fragrant basil. Perfect as a side or a simple vegetarian meal, it’s nutritious, versatile, and easily customized. Enjoy the comforting blend of flavors in every spoonful.