Vegan Southern Butter Beans
There is nothing more comforting than a big pot of butter beans simmering on the stove. Creamy, tender, and full of flavor, this meatless version brings all the traditional Southern comfort without the ham hock found in most traditional recipes. These Vegan Southern Butter Beans are slow-simmered with onion, garlic oil, and simple pantry spices to create that rich, savory broth we all love. Serve them with warm cornbread and make them the star of your plate.
If you grew up eating butter beans at potlucks, Sunday dinners, or your grandma’s kitchen table, this recipe will take you back.
What Are Southern Butter Beans?
In the South, butter beans usually refer to large lima beans that cook up soft and creamy. When simmered low and slow, they create their own velvety broth that tastes like pure comfort.
Traditional recipes often include pork for flavor, but you absolutely don’t need it. With the right layering of seasoning, these vegetarian butter beans are just as rich and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Completely vegan
- Budget-friendly pantry meal
- Creamy, cozy Southern comfort food
- Perfect as a main dish or side
- Great for meal prep
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried large lima beans (butter beans), soaked overnight
- 1 tablespoon garlic infused olive oil
- 1 small white onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
How to Make Vegan Southern Butter Beans
1. Soak the Beans
Place dried butter beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight. Drain and rinse.
(Short on time? Bring beans to a boil for 2 minutes, turn off heat, cover, and let sit 1 hour. Drain and rinse.)
2. Build the Flavor
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat garlic infused olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in smoked paprika, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Simmer Low and Slow
Add soaked beans and add just enough broth to cover the beans. Season the broth with a bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover partially and simmer 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally (maybe every 30 minutes), until beans are tender and creamy. The more you stir the creamier the beans will be.
If needed during cooking add more broth or a splash of water.
4. Finish and Adjust
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
For extra creaminess, mash a small scoop of beans against the side of the pot and stir back in.
Tips for Extra Flavor
- Use vegetable broth instead of plain water
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten flavors
- Stir in a pat of plant based butter before serving for richness
- Finish with fresh chopped parsley
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Vegan Southern Butter Beans with:
- Skillet cornbread
- Collard greens
- Sautéed cabbage
- Green beans
- Fresh tomato slices in the summer
These beans are hearty enough to stand alone, especially with a piece of cornbread for soaking up that creamy broth.
Looking for more to fill your plate? Check out this collection of 20+ Vegetarian Southern Side Dishes for the perfect pairing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The beans will actually thicken more and taste better the next day as the flavors deepen. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
You can also freeze butter beans for up to 3 months.
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Butter Beans?
Yes!
- Fresh: No soaking required. Simmer about 45–60 minutes.
- Frozen: Add directly to the pot and cook about 60–75 minutes.
Cooking time will vary slightly, but you’re looking for tender, creamy beans with a flavorful broth.
If you make these Vegan Southern Butter Beans, leave a comment and let me know how you served them. Did you go classic with cornbread and greens?
However you enjoy them, this is Southern comfort food at its finest!
Looking For More Vegan Bean Recipes?
Beans are a great source of plant based protein. If you are looking for more dinners with beans check out these great recipes:
- Cuban Style Black Beans
- Meatless Pinto Beans and Cornbread a Humble Southern Staple
- Vegan Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
- Jamaican Butter Bean Curry
Vegan Southern Butter Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb Dried Large Lima Beans (Butter Beans) soaked overnight
- 1 tbsp Garlic Infused Olive Oil
- 1 Small White Onion finely diced
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 6 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 dash Red Pepper Flakes optional
Instructions
-
Place dried butter beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight. Drain and rinse.
(Short on time? For the quick soak method bring beans to a boil for 2 minutes, turn off heat, cover, and let sit 1 hour. Drain and rinse.)
-
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat garlic infused olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in smoked paprika, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Add soaked beans and add just enough broth to cover the beans. Season the broth with a bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
-
Cover partially and simmer 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally (maybe every 30 minutes), until beans are tender and creamy. The more you stir the creamier the beans will be.
If needed during cooking add more broth or a splash of water.
-
When the beans are done remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve warm with cornbread.
