- Making Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans helps follow a more Mediterranean-style diet.
- Beans have protein and fiber and are an inexpensive pantry staple.
- The dish can be adapted to fit certain diets, and it’s made with ingredients you probably have on hand.
Beans are on regular rotation in our house, and that’s not just because I’m a dietitian (though that might also have something to do with it). If you’re like me and rising grocery prices are giving you sticker shock at the checkout, beans have your back. Compared to other proteins, beans remain a budget-friendly staple that’s a real nutrition powerhouse too—so you’re getting your money’s worth. Not to mention, if one of your goals is to follow a Mediterranean-style eating pattern, plant-based proteins like beans just happen to be a foundational food.
But I know that not everyone loves beans as much as I do. They have a reputation for being boring and bland, but that doesn’t have to be the case. They just need plenty of seasoning or a flavorful sauce to help them shine, like most proteins do. That’s one of the many reasons why I love these broccoli-Cheddar butter beans. Butter beans don’t have much flavor on their own, but their creamy and tender texture pairs perfectly with the flavors of a classic comfort food like broccoli-Cheddar soup. It’s guaranteed to convert even the biggest bean skeptic.
Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans
Why I Love Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans
It Embodies the Mediterranean Diet
When you’re looking to apply some of the principles of the Mediterranean-style diet, it’s a smart move to put this butter bean skillet on the dinner menu. This research-backed healthful eating pattern puts a heavy emphasis on eating a variety of plants— including vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains—and this butter bean skillet fits right in. Beans offer a winning combo of both protein and fiber to help fill you up, while broccoli adds color and a host of antioxidants to this dish. When you’re building your meals around such nutrient-dense foods, it’s no wonder that the Mediterranean-style diet is associated with heart health, reduced diabetes risk and longer lifespan.
It Helps Me Eat More Beans & Fiber
Not to mention, most of us could use more beans in our diet. Research shows that eating more beans is linked with a lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, as well as better gut health. In fact, there are so many positive health benefits to beans that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that everyone should be eating 1½ cups of beans per week—but most Americans fall short. So why not up your bean intake (and reap all the benefits) while indulging in classic comfort food flavors? You’ll also score a bunch of fiber (thanks to the butter beans)—just one serving of this recipe provides 12 grams of fiber, more than 40% of your daily fiber intake!
It’s a Weeknight Time-Saver
Another reason that this broccoli-Cheddar butter beans recipe has become a staple in our dinner rotation is that it can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. As I’m sure many parents to young kids know, there’s nothing like the post-school rush to get something on the table. That’s why I always keep my pantry stocked with a couple of varieties of canned beans, since they’re such a time-saving staple. And speaking of saving time, one-pot meals are always on my radar because the less time I have to spend doing dishes after dinner, the better.
It’s Flexible
Although the recipe is delicious as written, I don’t always have all the ingredients on hand when the craving strikes. Luckily, this recipe can be easily adapted. The fresh broccoli can be switched out for frozen in a pinch—no need to even thaw it, just toss it in frozen. Plus, if you can’t find butter beans, you can swap them for white beans, lima beans or even chickpeas. For those with vegan or dairy-free eaters in the family, you can adjust the recipe to accommodate them too. Simply use dairy-free versions of butter and Cheddar cheese and swap the half-and-half for coconut milk. (That’s one of my go-to plant-based swaps for creamy dishes!)
The Bottom Line
I happily eat this up with a slice of sourdough or two, while my husband likes pairing it with a simple salad to round out the meal. If you’re looking for a dish that has cozy vibes written all over it but also aligns with the Mediterranean diet, add this broccoli-Cheddar butter bean recipe to your meal plan this week. I know it’s going to be on mine!
