Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans

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These broccoli-Cheddar butter beans are a cozy dish that will remind you of broccoli-Cheddar soup, but in a convenient skillet. Tender butter beans add creaminess and plant-based protein, making the dish filling enough for a main course. Broccoli florets bring color, while sharp Cheddar cheese melts in for that classic flavor. Everything comes together in one pan, creating a thick texture that’s perfect for scooping up with crusty bread.

  • Butter beans provide plant-based protein and fiber to help you feel full for longer. 
  • Everything simmers in one pan for quick cleanup. 
  • These creamy beans ensure dinner is on the table in just 30 minutes.

These Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans deliver comfort in every bite—like your favorite soup, but with an extra boost of fiber and plant-based protein from the beans. Tender butter beans create a creamy, rich base, while bright green broccoli florets add texture, freshness and a pop of color, balancing the richness of the melted cheese. As the ingredients simmer together in one pan, the mixture thickens into a consistency that’s spoonable, scoopable and perfect for serving with slices of whole-wheat toast. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a simple meal that feels special, this one-pan wonder hits all the right notes. Ready to see for yourself? Check out some expert tips and tricks below!

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • Use bagged broccoli florets for an easy shortcut. Just make sure to trim them into ½-inch pieces so they cook uniformly. 
  • Try extra-sharp Cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor, or use mild Cheddar to mellow it out a little.
  • Let the sauce stand in the pan for a minute or two before you add the cheese to prevent it from seizing and breaking. For best meltability and texture, shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded.

Nutrition Notes

  • Beans are a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, two nutrients that can help you maintain a healthy weight and feel full for longer. The fiber in beans can also support overall gut health. Opt for no-salt-added beans to reduce excess sodium. 
  • Broccoli contains the phytochemical sulforaphane, which has been shown to reduce risk of certain cancers, including those of the breast, colon and skin. The cruciferous vegetable is also a good source of vitamin K to support bone health. 
  • Cheddar cheese offers some protein to this dish, and also brings calcium to the table. Calcium is important for bone health, blood circulation and muscle and nerve functions. Cheddar may also contain probiotics to support gut and oral health.
Ingredients including broccoli butter beans onions garlic cheese and a baguette displayed on a countertop

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion

  • 3 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon)

  • 12 ounces fresh broccoli florets, cut into ½-inch pieces (about 4 cups)

  • cup lower-sodium vegetable broth

  • 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added butter beans, rinsed

  • ¾ cup half-and-half

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

  • 8 (½-inch) slices crusty whole-wheat baguette, toasted

Directions

  1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup onion and the chopped garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add cut broccoli, stirring until well combined. Pour in ⅓ cup broth; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green, 3 to 4 minutes.

    Broccoli and chopped onions cooking in a pan with a wooden spoon

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

  2. Stir in rinsed beans, ¾ cup half-and-half and ½ teaspoon each pepper, dry mustard and salt. Bring to a lively simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the beans are warmed through and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2 minutes. Let cool for 2 minutes, then stir in ¾ cup Cheddar until melted. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup Cheddar. Serve with toasted baguette slices.

    Recipe image of Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What can I serve with these beans?

    This meal is satisfying on its own, but you could serve it with a leafy green salad for some freshness. Try our Basic Green Salad with Vinaigrette or Massaged Kale Salad for an easy pairing.

  • Can I use a different bean?

    Canned butter beans (also known as lima beans) work perfectly for this recipe, but any canned white beans (like cannellini) will work well in their place.

  • Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

    Yes! Frozen broccoli florets are a convenient option. No need to thaw—just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking until heated through and tender. If the liquid seems loose in the pan, you may need to cook it a little longer to evaporate some of the water.

EatingWell.com, September 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

435 Calories
14g Fat
59g Carbs
21g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1¼ cups bean mixture & 2 toast slices
Calories 435
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 59g 22%
Dietary Fiber 12g 42%
Total Sugars 5g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 21g 42%
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 7g 37%
Cholesterol 36mg 12%
Vitamin A 177µg
Vitamin C 82mg 91%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 2mg 10%
Folate 196µg
Vitamin K 98µg
Sodium 738mg 32%
Calcium 306mg 24%
Iron 3mg 19%
Magnesium 103mg 25%
Potassium 892mg 19%
Zinc 3mg 27%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Alex Loh
Square Headshot of Alex Loh
Alex Loh is EatingWell's food editor. As part of the food team, she creates healthy, delicious recipes for the EatingWell audience. Alex also writes informative food and cooking articles that range from how to store ground beef to the best picks from Trader Joe's. Alex conducts product and taste tests to find the best options, from salad spinners to salsas.
and
Hilary Meyer
Hilary Meyer
Hilary Meyer is a recipe developer, tester, and content creator. After graduating from culinary school, she started working the EatingWell Test Kitchen in 2006, developing and testing recipes.