Baked Butter Beans are a rich, hearty, and comforting dish made with large, creamy butter beans baked in a savory tomato-based sauce. Packed with flavors of garlic, onion, herbs, and a hint of sweetness, this recipe is a plant-based delight that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Origin
This dish has Mediterranean roots, especially popular in Greek cuisine where it is known as “Gigantes Plaki.” The use of butter beans in slow-cooked tomato sauces is common in many traditional European and Middle Eastern cuisines. For more on Greek baked bean dishes.
What I Love About This Recipe
What I truly enjoy about this recipe is how it transforms humble butter beans into something incredibly rich and indulgent. The slow baking process allows the beans to absorb all the aromatic flavors from the sauce. It’s warm, homey, and perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. I also love that it can be served with crusty bread, rice, or even as a side dish at dinner parties.
Also Read : Easy Cottage Cheese Wrap
Baked Butter Beans
Course: Salad4
servings20
minutes40
minutes320
kcalIngredients
2 cups cooked butter beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar or maple syrup (to balance acidity)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onions until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, paprika, oregano, chili flakes, and sugar. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the butter beans, stir gently to coat them well in the sauce, and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can add chopped carrots or bell peppers for more texture.
- Serve as a main with rice or bread, or as a side with grilled meats or salad.
- It tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers.