Name: Vegan Butter Bean Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons vegan butter; 1 large shallot, peeled & finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, marinated in oil & chopped; 1 Tablespoon tomato paste; ¼ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme; ¼ teaspoon chili flakes; 15 ounces canned butter beans (include liquid, do not strain); 2 Tablespoons coconut cream; 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast; ½ Tablespoon lemon juice; 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil; Salt & pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 21 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and totally plant-based, you’re going to love this Vegan Butter Bean Skillet Recipe. It’s simple, creamy, and perfect for those moments when you want something hearty but fuss-free. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for lazy weeknight dinners or whenever you fancy something that feels just a little special.

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy & Flavorful: Thanks to the coconut cream and sun-dried tomatoes, this skillet dish is rich without feeling heavy.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Ease: You’ll get a delicious, wholesome meal with a handful of pantry staples.
Satisfying & Versatile: Perfect for vegans or anyone craving a comforting plant-based dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste.
One-Pot Wonder: Saves you from extra dishes – ideal when you want to cook fast and clean up faster!

Vegan Butter Bean Skillet, vegan skillet recipes, plant-based bean dishes, healthy vegan dinner, easy vegan comfort food - The image shows a white pan filled with a rich, orange-brown stew with large white beans and pieces of green leafy herbs spread throughout. There are bits of red tomato and finely chopped onions mixed in, adding texture and color. A woman's left hand is holding a small piece of toasted bread inside the pan, while her right hand uses a spoon to scoop some beans and stew onto the bread. The background surface is a wooden texture with a green cloth partially visible in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here blend beautifully to create a silky, hearty dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly straightforward. I always recommend grabbing good quality sun-dried tomatoes marinated in oil—they add a punch of umami that’s just unbeatable.

Vegan Butter Bean Skillet, vegan skillet recipes, plant-based bean dishes, healthy vegan dinner, easy vegan comfort food - Flat lay of vegan butter in a small white ceramic bowl, a large shallot unpeeled beside finely diced shallot pieces on a white ceramic plate, four whole cloves of garlic with some minced garlic in a small white bowl, a small white bowl filled with chopped sun-dried tomatoes glistening with oil, a small white bowl with smooth red tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, and chili flakes each in their own small white ceramic bowls, whole fresh butter beans scattered next to a small white bowl containing creamy coconut cream, a small white bowl with golden nutritional yeast flakes, a lemon cut in half showing bright yellow flesh alongside fresh green basil sprigs on a simple white ceramic plate, arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vegan butter: Gives that lovely butteriness without dairy, melting perfectly to start the flavor base.
Shallot: Its mild oniony sweetness builds a great flavor foundation without overpowering.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds that essential aromatic punch every good skillet needs.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Packed with umami and richness, they bring a subtle tang and depth to the dish.
Tomato paste: Helps thicken the sauce while adding an extra layer of tomato flavor.
Dried oregano & thyme: Classic herbs that brighten and balance the richness beautifully.
Chili flakes: Just a little heat to keep things interesting and cozy.
Butter beans (canned): Their creamy texture makes them the star of the dish – keep the liquid in for extra creaminess.
Coconut cream: Adds smoothness and a subtle sweetness that compliments the beans perfectly.
Nutritional yeast: Brings a cheesy, savory dimension that amps up the flavor without dairy.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity to brighten the whole skillet and balance richness.
Fresh basil: Added last, it gives a fresh, herby finish that lifts every bite.
Salt & pepper: Essential to season everything just right – don’t skip or underestimate!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Vegan Butter Bean Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you crave some extra spice or want to make it more herb-forward, you can totally make it your own with simple changes.

Spice it up: I sometimes add smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for a warm smoky kick.
Switch up your herbs: Try fresh thyme instead of oregano, or even toss in some chopped rosemary for a woodsy note.
Add greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale near the end for a nutritious boost and color.
Make it heartier: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or diced roasted potatoes to turn this into a full-on comfort meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Butter Bean Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Shallots & Garlic ‘Til They’re Magical

Start by finely dicing your shallot and mincing the garlic—using a garlic press can save you a lot of time here. Melt the vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Toss in the shallots and garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes. You want the shallots translucent and just starting to soften, and that mouthwatering aroma of garlic to fill your kitchen.

Step 2: Build Layers with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Herbs

Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, and chili flakes right into the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for about a minute until combined and fragrant. This base is where the flavor really starts to shine, so take a second to enjoy the scent!

Step 3: Pour in the Butter Beans—with the Liquid!

This might be the trickiest step because it’s tempting to strain those butter beans, but trust me, keep the liquid in the can. Adding the beans with their liquid creates this creamy sauce that’s pure magic. Pour in the beans, then stir in coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Bring the whole skillet to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer & Season

Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the sauce thickens nicely and the beans get super tender. This step is where everything melds together beautifully. Finish by stirring in fresh basil and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning slowly—you don’t want to overpower that lovely fresh basil aroma.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Smile

Serve this straight from the skillet with a big slice of toasted bread. I’m talking crunchy, golden, and perfect for scooping up every last bit. You’ll love how effortlessly decadent it feels despite being so quick to make!

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Butter Bean Skillet Recipe

Don’t Strain the Beans: Keeping the can’s liquid makes this dish luxuriously creamy without adding any extra dairy or oil.
Toast the Bread Right: I like to rub garlic on the toasted bread for an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery beans.
Use Fresh Herbs Last: Adding basil right at the end keeps its flavor bright and fresh, rather than washed out by too much heat.
Season Gradually: Taste as you go—nutritional yeast adds saltiness, so make sure not to overdo the salt early on.

How to Serve Vegan Butter Bean Skillet Recipe

Vegan Butter Bean Skillet, vegan skillet recipes, plant-based bean dishes, healthy vegan dinner, easy vegan comfort food - The image shows two pieces of toasted bread placed side by side on a white speckled plate. On top of each piece of bread is a layer of large, light yellow beans mixed with chopped sun-dried tomatoes, small bits of onion, and garnished with fresh green basil leaves. The beans have a soft texture and are slightly glossy, suggesting they are cooked with some oil or sauce. The basil leaves add a fresh, green contrast to the warm colors of the beans and tomatoes. The plate sits on a wooden table, and a wooden dish with more fresh basil leaves is partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this skillet with a sprinkle of extra fresh basil or even some chili flakes if I’m craving a bit more heat. Sometimes I grate a little vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast on top too—it adds that lovely, nutty finish.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty much a full meal, but if you want to add sides, a crisp green salad or steamed veg works beautifully—something light to contrast that creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a casual dinner, I’ve served this right in a rustic skillet on the table with several types of bread and toppings, letting guests customize their plates. It’s always a hit and feels so warm and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; it keeps well for about 3-4 days. When I reheat, I add a splash of water or plant milk to refresh the sauce’s creaminess—it makes it almost as good as freshly made.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully a couple of times. Just cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and it’ll last up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheating on a low to medium heat in a skillet works best—I stir frequently and add a little water or plant-based cream if it looks dry. Using the stovetop keeps the beans tender and the sauce luscious.

FAQs

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just remember to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before using. Since this recipe relies on the bean liquid for creaminess, you might want to add some vegetable broth or water when combining the beans into the skillet.
Can I substitute coconut cream with another plant-based cream?

Yes, you can use cashew cream, oat cream, or even a thick soy cream. Coconut cream gives a lovely subtle sweetness, but feel free to swap based on what you have or your flavor preferences.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

As long as you serve it with gluten-free bread or no bread at all, the recipe itself is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check labels on things like tomato paste and nutritional yeast to be certain.
How spicy is this Vegan Butter Bean Skillet Recipe?

The chili flakes add just a subtle kick—enough to warm you up without overwhelming the flavors. You can easily adjust the amount or omit them if you prefer no heat.
Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Yes! Swap the vegan butter for a small amount of vegetable broth or water to sauté the shallots and garlic. The creamy texture comes mainly from the butter beans and coconut cream, so the dish will still be rich and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Butter Bean Skillet Recipe feels like a warm hug in a bowl—creamy, flavorful, and easy enough for weeknights but special enough to impress anyone at your table. I genuinely look forward to making it whenever I have those evenings when I want something comforting but don’t want to fuss. Give it a try; I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds!