Vegetarian BBQ Beans Recipe for Easy Summer Cookouts

When it comes to hearty, flavorful dishes that are perfect for any barbecue or casual gathering, vegetarian BBQ beans are a true crowd-pleaser. This recipe combines rich, smoky flavors with the natural sweetness of beans and a medley of spices, creating a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, these BBQ beans are guaranteed to satisfy. They are incredibly easy to prepare, packed with protein and fiber, and can be made ahead for effortless entertaining.

From backyard cookouts to weeknight dinners, these vegetarian BBQ beans will become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, they pair wonderfully with classic sides like cornbread or grilled veggies, making them a versatile addition to any meal.

Ready to fire up the flavor? Let’s dive into this delicious and wholesome recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian BBQ beans are a fantastic way to enjoy the smoky, tangy flavors of a traditional barbecue without the meat. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious and budget-friendly.

The combination of beans provides a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health. Plus, the homemade BBQ sauce allows you to control the sweetness and spice level, avoiding preservatives and excess sugars found in store-bought versions.

This dish is incredibly versatile — serve it as a main, side, or even as a filling for wraps and stuffed peppers. It’s perfect for meal prepping since the flavors deepen after a day or two in the fridge.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a potluck, these vegetarian BBQ beans will impress with their rich, smoky depth and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup dried kidney beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Colander (if using canned beans)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener (if using canned tomatoes or beans)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beans: If using dried beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water. The next day, drain, rinse, and cook them in fresh water until tender (about 1-1.5 hours). If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and diced green bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and tender.
3. Add spices and tomato paste: Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Then, mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Combine main ingredients: Add the cooked or canned black beans and kidney beans to the pot. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and vegetable broth. Stir everything well to combine.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken. If it gets too thick, add a splash more vegetable broth or water.
6. Season and serve: Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For extra smoky flavor, try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a dash of liquid smoke to the beans during simmering.”

• Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but double-check your BBQ sauce to ensure it’s free from honey or animal products.
• Use different beans: Feel free to substitute pinto beans, chickpeas, or cannellini beans for variety.
• Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste if you prefer a spicy kick.
• Slow cooker option: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach. Check seasoning before serving.
• Make ahead: The beans taste even better the next day, so make a big batch and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian BBQ beans are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them as a hearty side dish alongside classic barbecue fare like grilled corn, baked potatoes, or veggie burgers.

They also make a fantastic main course when spooned over steamed rice or quinoa for a filling meal.

For a fun twist, use these beans as a filling for tacos, burritos, or stuffed bell peppers. Top with sliced avocado, vegan sour cream, or shredded cheese to enhance the flavors.

Don’t forget to pair them with some crunchy cornbread or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Looking for more plant-based inspiration? Check out these delicious recipes:

• Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners
• Slow Cooker Vegetarian Recipes Easy and Delicious Ideas
• Vegetarian Southern Recipes That Everyone Will Love

Conclusion

Vegetarian BBQ beans are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a classic barbecue flavor without any meat. This recipe is easy to make, adaptable to your taste preferences, and packed with wholesome ingredients that provide plenty of protein and fiber.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a simple weeknight dinner, these beans offer a satisfying, smoky flavor that everyone will love.

With the ability to customize spice levels and ingredients, this dish fits seamlessly into a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle while appealing to all eaters. Plus, its versatility means you can serve it in numerous ways, keeping mealtime exciting.

For more tasty plant-based recipes and tips, explore our collection and enjoy the wonderful world of vegetarian cooking!

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