Tomato and Basil Butter Beans

The perfect vegetarian meal that's full of flavor and inexpensive to make!

Tomato Basil Butter Beans Overview

Tomato basil butter beans is an easy delicious vegetarian recipe that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. This recipe is filling enough to eat on its own, but I paired mine with some toast.

First the onions are sauteed with the tomatoes. Next the canned butter beans are added along with liquid. Tomato paste, and cream cheese complete the sauce for the perfect creamy texture. And lastly fragrant fresh basil is stirred in just before serving.

This recipe is so easy, inexpensive and packed with so much flavor. It's a great one to add to your regular meal rotation!

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic - minced
• ⅓ cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 15 oz canned butter beans - with the liquid
• 2 Tbsp cream cheese
• 1 cup chopped fresh basil
• crusty baguette or toast to serve - optional

Kitchen Equipment Used

• Dutch oven pot or large soup pot
• Measuring spoons - this is a magnetic set that sticks together in the drawer to keep organized.

How To Make Tomato Basil Butter Beans

Full ingredients and instructions are also in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.

STEP 1: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and ⅓ cup chopped yellow onion. Cook until the onion turns translucent, about 1 minute.

STEP 2: Next add 1 pint of sliced cherry tomatoes, along with 1 Tbsp tomato paste, ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp ground black pepper. Cook 1 minute.

STEP 3: Add in the 15 oz canned butter beans (with the liquid) into the pot. Mix everything together. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

STEP 4: Remove the pot from heat. Add 2 Tbsp cream cheese and stir slowly until it melts to create a creamy sauce.

STEP 5: Add 1 cup fresh basil and stir together. Now the recipe is ready to serve. See the easy instructions below for crunchy toast.

If you want to serve this recipe on toast or baguette slices, here are the instructions:

Oven Method: Slice a baguette into small pieces. Spread each one with butter or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place in the oven to bake at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown. Check often so they don't overcook!

Frying Pan Method: Spread butter or spray nonstick cooking spray on both sides of bread slices. In a pan over medium high heat, add the toast slices and cook on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and serve.

How To Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• To Reheat – Add the recipe back to a pot on the stove to reheat over medium-high heat. This can also be reheated in the microwave.