This butter beans recipe is made with fresh kale and a spicy, tomato sauce. It's a one-pot vegan dinner that's also great for meal prep!

It feels like the right time to get back to the basics in the kitchen, and for me, "basic" usually means some type of beans and greens combination.

It's a classic pantry meal, especially if you're stocked with plant-based ingredients. Plus, there's a healthy mix of all of the nutrients you need to make an energizing and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Overhead image of two bowls of butter beans and greens.

Enjoy it right away or meal prep a batch for later. Have it for a meal or split it into smaller servings for a side dish. (Maybe double the recipe so you can have it both ways. You won't regret it.)

I especially love this butter beans recipe as a WFH lunch. I've been working from home for a few years now and I've learned that eating a balanced, energizing lunch is essential for a productive day. This butter beans recipe is balanced with fiber, carbs, protein, and fat so I'm way less likely to experience an energy slump later on!

Butter beans, tomato paste, garlic, bay leaves, kale, vegetable broth, and spices on a white marble countertop.

Grocery List

Here's what you'll need to make this butter beans recipe at home.

Butter beans (also known as lima beans), dried
Vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought)
Bay leaves (dry or fresh, optional)
Garlic
Tomato paste
Dry basil
Dry oregano
Crushed rosemary
Smoked paprika
Cayenne pepper (optional)
Kale (1 bunch)
Extra virgin olive oil

What are Butter Beans?

You might know butter beans by another name—lima beans. They're the same exact thing!

The butter beans in this recipe are dry and beige in color. Look for butter beans or lima beans near other types of dry pulses at the grocery store.

Horizontal image of lima beans and kale in a white bowl.

Prep

How to Soak Dry Beans:

Soaking helps dry beans cook faster and it can also make them easier to digest (though this may not be true for everyone). It can also improve the beans' appearance once cooked.

Soaking requires a little forethought, but there are only a few seconds of active work. Just pour dry beans into a large bowl and fill with water. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or beeswax wrap (plastic wrap works, too) and set it aside overnight, or for about 8 hours. Then drain the liquid, give the beans a quick rinse, and you're good to go.

Hands holding a bowl filled with a vegan butter beans recipe.

Instructions

This butter beans recipe has three main steps. Cooking the beans, adding the flavorings, and cooking the fresh kale.

Cook the Butter Beans.

The first (and most time-consuming) step is cooking the dry butter beans.

Once the butter beans have been drained from their soaking liquid, transfer them to a large pot over high heat. Pour in the vegetable broth, water, and a couple of bay leaves (the bay leaves are optional).

Bring the liquid to a boil and then simmer the beans over medium-low heat until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Horizontal image of butter beans and bay leaves cooking in a large pot.

The beans will continue to soften as they cook. Add water as needed to prevent the beans from sticking and cook as long as you need to get them to the texture you like. The beans will get softer as they cook.

2. Add flavorings.

Once the butter beans are cooked, it's time to add in some flavor! Stir in grated garlic, tomato paste, basil, oregano, crushed rosemary, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Feel free to play with the spices based on whatever you have on hand in your kitchen. There are so many options here!

3. Stir in the greens.

Beans and kale cooking in a large metal pot.

After the spices are fully incorporated and smell fragrant, stir in the torn pieces of kale and olive oil. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring often, or until the greens are tender and wilted.

Serving

Closeup image of butter beans recipe with kale and quinoa.

You can eat this butter beans recipe all on its own or serve it with quinoa, barley, farro, rice, or pasta. Top the beans and greens with toasted nuts or seeds and nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese (if the recipe doesn't have to be vegan) if desired.

Meal Prep and Storage

Butter beans recipe in two glass meal prep containers.

I love meal prepping this butter beans recipe for easy lunches and dinners during the week. Store the beans and greens in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. You can reheat this on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Butter beans and kale in a speckled white bowl.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lima/butter beans:

Substitute with any type of dry bean or pulse. I like these flavors with chickpeas or white kidney beans (also known as cannellini beans). For a quick-cook version, try it with lentils. (You'll just need to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of pulse you choose.)

If you don't have vegetable broth:

Cook the beans in water with about a teaspoon of salt. Add in more herbs and spices for flavor if desired. (Try a little rosemary, thyme, or sage.)

If you don't have kale:

Swap in another hearty green, such as collards, chard, or spinach. Frozen greens work great here, too.

Image of butter beans recipe in white bowls with a water glass and linen napkin.

Recipes to Serve With

Love this recipe?

Please leave a five-star review on the recipe card above and share your thoughts in the comments section below. If you share on social media, be sure to tag @GratefulGrazer and #GratefulGrazer. I'd love to hear how it went!

Save this recipe on Pinterest.

Butter beans and kale in a speckled white bowl with text reading, "One-Pot Butter Beans and Greens: Vegan Meal Prep Recipe; GratefulGrazer.com."

Easy Vegetarian Meal Prep Ideas

Looking for more plant-based meal inspiration? Get 100 easy vegetarian meal prep ideas when you subscribe to Grateful Grazer's email list.

One-Pot Butter Beans and Greens