One Can, many meals: Cheesy Butter Beans

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 15 mins

One Can, Endless Possibilities: How to Use Butter Beans for a Week of Delicious, Budget-Friendly Meals

When you’re looking for a simple and cost-effective plant-based protein, butter beans should be your go-to. Not only are they affordable and nutritious, but one can of butter beans can also take you through an entire week of meals with little effort. These creamy, hearty beans are versatile enough to shine in a range of dishes—from stews to salads, dips to pasta sauces.

Why Butter Beans?

Cost-Effective: A can of butter beans typically costs just a few dollars, making them an affordable plant-based protein option.
Nutrient-Rich: High in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, butter beans keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Versatile: Butter beans take on flavour beautifully, making them perfect for a wide range of dishes—from savoury to slightly sweet.

Let’s kick off your butter bean journey with Chef Rhys Hannan’s Cheesy Butter Beans recipe—rich, comforting, and irresistibly delicious. It’s quick to prepare, and you only need a handful of ingredients.

This recipe was created by Rhys Hannan as part AgriCULTURED 2025 and presented at the Healthy Eating on a Budget Workshop in partnership with St Lukes and Eat Well Tasmania.

Directions

Melt the 1 tsp of butter gently in a small pan over medium heat.

Add the onion with a small pinch of salt and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
Add the beans and the stock or water. Stir gently, letting the beans warm through. As they heat, they’ll release a bit of starch. This, along with the butter and garlic, forms the base of your sauce.
Keep the heat moderate, add the 1 tbsp of butter and stir constantly to ensure the butter emulsion holds. You’re aiming for a light, glossy coating. Once your sauce is homogenous and thickening, stir in your cheese and keep moving it until melted and smooth. Don’t boil, just let the cheese melt into the sauce.
Season with the ground white pepper. Serve warm on toast, with roast capsicums, our chicken crown, or a fried egg.

Storage Recommendations In the Fridge: Leftover cooked butter beans can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store any sauce or liquid separately to keep the beans from getting too soggy. In the Freezer: You can also freeze cooked butter beans. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Be sure to label and date your container for easy reference. On the Shelf: Unopened cans of butter beans can be stored in your pantry for up to a year. Be sure to check the expiration date for freshness.
We love turning our leftover beans into Butter Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos Roast diced sweet potatoes with cumin and paprika, then combine with butter beans, avocado, salsa, and cilantro in soft tortillas. Serve with a wedge of lime. Flavor Tip: Add a dash of smoked chipotle for a smoky, spicy twist.

Use the list below while you shop or cook. Simply tap an ingredient to cross it off  the list. You can also tap directions while you cook.

Ingredients

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 15 mins

One Can, Endless Possibilities: How to Use Butter Beans for a Week of Delicious, Budget-Friendly Meals

Why Butter Beans?

Cost-Effective: A can of butter beans typically costs just a few dollars, making them an affordable plant-based protein option.
Nutrient-Rich: High in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, butter beans keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Versatile: Butter beans take on flavour beautifully, making them perfect for a wide range of dishes—from savoury to slightly sweet.

This recipe was created by Rhys Hannan as part AgriCULTURED 2025 and presented at the Healthy Eating on a Budget Workshop in partnership with St Lukes and Eat Well Tasmania.

Use the list below while you shop or cook. Simply tap an ingredient to cross it off  the list. You can also tap directions while you cook.

Directions

Melt the 1 tsp of butter gently in a small pan over medium heat.

Add the onion with a small pinch of salt and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
Add the beans and the stock or water. Stir gently, letting the beans warm through. As they heat, they’ll release a bit of starch. This, along with the butter and garlic, forms the base of your sauce.
Keep the heat moderate, add the 1 tbsp of butter and stir constantly to ensure the butter emulsion holds. You’re aiming for a light, glossy coating. Once your sauce is homogenous and thickening, stir in your cheese and keep moving it until melted and smooth. Don’t boil, just let the cheese melt into the sauce.
Season with the ground white pepper. Serve warm on toast, with roast capsicums, our chicken crown, or a fried egg.

Use the list below while you shop or cook. Simply tap an ingredient to cross it off  the list. You can also tap directions while you cook.

Ingredients

Storage Recommendations In the Fridge: Leftover cooked butter beans can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store any sauce or liquid separately to keep the beans from getting too soggy. In the Freezer: You can also freeze cooked butter beans. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Be sure to label and date your container for easy reference. On the Shelf: Unopened cans of butter beans can be stored in your pantry for up to a year. Be sure to check the expiration date for freshness.
We love turning our leftover beans into Butter Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos Roast diced sweet potatoes with cumin and paprika, then combine with butter beans, avocado, salsa, and cilantro in soft tortillas. Serve with a wedge of lime. Flavor Tip: Add a dash of smoked chipotle for a smoky, spicy twist.