Savory Bacon Butter Bean Recipe

A Pot of Good Memories

My grandpa taught me this recipe. He loved a simple, hearty meal. I still laugh at that.

He said good food does not need fancy things. It just needs good ingredients and a little patience. This bean recipe proves he was right.

Let’s Get Cooking

First, crisp up your chopped bacon in a big pot. That sizzle is the best sound. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Take the bacon out but leave a little grease. Now cook your chopped onion in that tasty bacon grease. Cook it until it looks soft and shiny.

Why We Cook It Slow

Next, add the beans, broth, salt, and pepper. Let it all come to a boil. Then, turn the heat down low.

Let it simmer for a long time. This slow cooking makes the beans so soft and creamy. This matters because slow cooking lets all the flavors become friends.

A Little Story for You

I once forgot the bacon was cooking. I was talking to my neighbor. I came back to very, very crispy bacon.

It was almost burnt. But you know what? It still tasted wonderful in the beans. It is hard to ruin this dish.

The Magic of Simple Food

This recipe is not complicated. It is just beans, bacon, and onion. But together, they make something special.

This matters because it shows how a few things can create a whole meal. It feels good to make something from scratch. What is your favorite simple meal to cook?

A Fun Fact for Your Day

Fun fact: Butter beans are also called lima beans. Their name comes from Lima, the capital of Peru!

I think that is so interesting. It is like having a little bit of history in your pot. Do you have a favorite bean?

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Now you have the recipe. It is your turn to try it. I hope you feel proud of what you make.

Cooking is a way to show love to your family. Or to yourself. Will you be making this for a special dinner or a cozy lunch?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Bacon	6 slices	Coarsely chopped
Onion	1 small	Chopped
Frozen Butter Beans	1 (28-ounce) bag (about 5 cups)
Chicken Broth	4 cups (32-ounces)
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black Pepper	1/2 teaspoon

A Pot of Beans and a Pocketful of Stories

My kitchen always smells best when bacon is sizzling. It reminds me of my own grandma’s house on a Saturday morning. She taught me that good food is really just good love. This butter bean recipe is one of my favorite ways to share that. It’s simple, cozy, and tells a story with every bite.

Let’s get our big, heavy pot warm on the stove. You’ll need your chopped bacon and a small onion. I like to get everything ready first. It makes the cooking feel like a calm dance. Are you ready? Let’s begin.

Ingredients

• Chopped bacon
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Frozen butter beans
• Chicken broth
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Toss your chopped bacon into the empty pot. Let it cook on medium heat until it’s crispy and brown. The sound and smell are just wonderful. I still laugh at how my cat, Whiskers, always comes running. Take the bacon out and put it on a plate for later.

Step 2: Now, look at all that lovely bacon grease in the pot. We only need to keep two tablespoons. (My hard-learned tip: pour the extra into an old jar to cool. It makes a mess if you pour it down the sink!). Now, add your chopped onion to the hot grease. It will sizzle and pop a little.

Step 3: Stir those onions around for about 8 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they look soft and shiny. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s the start of so many good meals. Now, pour in your frozen butter beans, the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir.

Step 4: Turn the heat up until the broth starts to bubble. Then, turn it down low. Let the pot simmer gently for about an hour. This is when the magic happens. The beans get so tender and soak up all the flavor. What’s your favorite cozy meal on a rainy day? Share below!

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner, Sides

Three Tasty Twists for Your Beans

This recipe is like a favorite old sweater. It’s comfortable, but you can always dress it up. I love playing with it depending on my mood. Here are a few fun ideas to make it your own. They are all so simple and delicious.

Garden Lover’s Swap: Skip the bacon! Start with a spoon of olive oil. Add a handful of chopped carrots with the onion for a sweet, veggie-packed version.

A Little Kick: Love a bit of spice? Add a big pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when you cook the onions. It will make the whole dish feel warm and zesty.

Summer Sunshine: Stir in a cup of fresh corn and some chopped cherry tomatoes right at the end. It makes the beans taste bright and sunny, perfect for a picnic.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Let’s Make It a Full Meal

Now, what to serve with your beautiful pot of beans? I think they are perfect just with a thick slice of cornbread. You can dip the bread right into the broth. A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette is lovely, too. It cuts through the richness.

For a drink, a glass of iced sweet tea is my go-to. It’s so refreshing. If you’re having a special dinner, a crisp cider pairs beautifully with the salty bacon. It just feels right. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Butter Beans Cozy

This recipe makes a big, happy pot of beans. You will likely have some left over. Let the beans cool completely first. Then put them in a sealed container in the fridge. They will be your best friend for three or four days. You can also freeze them for a later meal. I use old yogurt containers for freezing. It saves money and works perfectly.

I once gave a container to my neighbor, Frank. He forgot it in his fridge for a week. He reheated it and said it was still wonderful. To reheat, just warm them in a pot on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them from drying out. Batch cooking like this saves you time on a busy night. It means a warm, home-cooked meal is always close by.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Happy Cooking

Sometimes the bacon grease can get too hot. If it starts to smoke, just turn the heat down a little. I remember when I first started cooking. I burned the bacon and had to start all over. It is okay. We all learn by doing. If your beans are too soupy, just let them simmer longer without a lid. The extra liquid will cook away.

What if the beans are still too firm? They just need more time to get tender. Keep simmering until they are soft and creamy. Fixing small problems makes you a more confident cook. You learn to trust your own eyes and taste. Getting the seasoning right also makes the whole dish sing. A little more pepper can make all the difference.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Butter Bean Questions, Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, it is. Just check your chicken broth label to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. The flavor gets even better the next day.

Q: What if I do not have butter beans? A: You can use frozen lima beans instead. They are very similar.

Q: Can I make a smaller portion? A: Of course. Just use half of all the ingredients listed.

Q: Any extra tips? A: A dash of hot sauce at the end is a nice little kick. *Fun fact: Butter beans and lima beans are the same bean. They just have two different names!

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. It is a simple, comforting bowl of goodness. I would be so happy to see your creation. Share a picture of your pot of beans. It makes my day to see you in the kitchen.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Use our handle @GrandmasKitchen. I cannot wait to see your photos. Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.