Baked Beans Recipe From Scratch Vegetarian and Delicious

Baked beans have long been a comforting staple in many households, loved for their rich, hearty flavor and versatility. Making them from scratch elevates this classic dish to a whole new level, especially when tailored to a vegetarian diet.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to cooking beans from their dried form, this recipe will guide you through every step. Using simple, wholesome ingredients, you’ll create a batch of baked beans that are sweet, smoky, and satisfyingly thick, perfect for any meal or side dish.

What sets this vegetarian baked beans recipe apart is its focus on natural flavors without relying on meat or artificial additives. You’ll discover how soaking and slow baking the beans results in a tender texture that soaks up all the delicious sauce.

Plus, this recipe is customizable with spices and sweeteners to suit your taste. If you love hearty, plant-based comfort food or want to impress at your next barbecue, this baked beans recipe from scratch is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked beans recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, vegetarian-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s made entirely from scratch, starting with dried beans, which means you control every ingredient and avoid preservatives and excess sodium found in canned varieties.

It’s also incredibly versatile — perfect as a side dish, a main over rice, or even a filling for vegetarian sandwiches. The slow baking method brings out deep, caramelized flavors while the natural sweetness from maple syrup and the tang from apple cider vinegar balance beautifully.

Best of all, it’s protein-packed, easy to prepare in advance, and freezes well for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried navy beans (or great northern beans)
• 4 cups water (for soaking and cooking beans)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment

• Large bowl (for soaking beans)
• Colander
• Large pot or pressure cooker
• Oven-safe baking dish (approximately 2-quart size)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil or lid for baking dish

Instructions

1. Soak the beans: Place the dried navy beans in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of cold water. Allow to soak overnight or at least 8 hours. This softens the beans and reduces cooking time.
2. Drain and rinse: After soaking, drain the beans through a colander and rinse with fresh water.
3. Cook the beans: Transfer the soaked beans to a large pot. Add 4 cups of fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until beans are tender but not mushy. Alternatively, use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time to about 20 minutes. Drain beans, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
4. Prepare the sauce: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together tomato paste, maple syrup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, salt, cayenne (if using), vegetable broth, and olive oil.
5. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
6. Combine beans and sauce: In your oven-safe baking dish, combine the cooked beans, sautéed onions and garlic, and the prepared sauce. Mix gently to coat the beans evenly. If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved bean cooking liquid to loosen it.
7. Bake the beans: Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. This slow baking allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
8. Final seasoning: After baking, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add a bit more salt, vinegar, or sweetness according to your preference.
9. Serve warm: Let the beans cool slightly before serving. They taste even better the next day after the flavors have fully developed.

Tips & Variations

“Slow and steady wins the flavor race!” Slow baking is key to deeply flavored baked beans. Don’t rush this step.

• Bean choice: Navy beans are traditional, but you can substitute with great northern or cannellini beans for similar results.
• Smoky flavor: Add a smoked vegan sausage or a few drops of liquid smoke to enhance the smoky depth without meat.
• Sweetness variations: Swap maple syrup with brown sugar or agave nectar if preferred.
• Spice it up: Increase cayenne or add a pinch of chipotle powder for a smoky heat.
• Make it gluten-free: Ensure your vegetable broth and mustard are gluten-free.
• Make ahead: This dish tastes great when made a day ahead. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian baked beans recipe is wonderfully versatile. Serve it as a hearty side to grilled vegetables or plant-based burgers.

It also pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa for a complete protein-packed meal.

For a classic comfort food combo, try it alongside some homemade cornbread or try our Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for a spicy twist. Baked beans also shine as a filling in vegetarian wraps or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Looking for a sweet treat after your meal? Check out the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe for a nostalgic dessert that’s sure to please.

Conclusion

Making baked beans from scratch might seem like a labor of love, but the reward is a deeply satisfying dish that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor. This vegetarian version is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients while avoiding processed ingredients and preservatives.

The slow baking process develops a complex, smoky-sweet profile that will elevate your meals and impress guests.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply craving some wholesome comfort food, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. Don’t forget to explore our variety of other recipes like the Half Runner Beans Recipe or the delightful Goat Milk Ice Cream Recipe No Eggs to round out your meal plan.

Happy cooking!

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