This was dinner more nights than not. Warm, simple, and still perfect

To keep this recipe truly four ingredients, I left out extras—but you can easily dress it up when you have a few more minutes. For more flavor, sauté a little diced onion and garlic in the butter before adding the ham. If you like a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce at the end. For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream right before serving. You can also swap the canned butter beans for frozen or cooked-from-dry if you have them on hand; just adjust the simmer time until they’re tender. If you don’t have ham, smoked sausage or leftover smoked turkey works really well and gives the same cozy, Southern-style vibe. For meal prep, this dish reheats beautifully—make a batch on Sunday, portion it into containers with rice or cornbread on the side, and you’ve got grab-and-go lunches ready for a few days. It also freezes well; just cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2–3 months.