Boston Baked Beans Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Guide

Boston baked beans are a classic comfort food known for their rich, sweet, and smoky flavor. Traditionally made with pork, this dish can be easily transformed into a hearty vegan meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

With tender beans slow-cooked in a savory molasses-based sauce, this vegan version captures all the nostalgia and warmth of the original while being entirely plant-based. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to try something new and wholesome, this recipe will satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends.

This recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want a delicious and filling side dish. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it as nutritious as it is flavorful.

Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible Boston baked beans vegan-style!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Satisfying: The rich molasses and smoked paprika create a deep, smoky sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy beans.

Simple Ingredients: You’ll find everything you need in your pantry or local grocery store, making it an easy recipe to whip up any time.

Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, it’s a meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.

Great for Meal Prep: This recipe tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups dried navy beans (or 3 cans of navy beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup molasses (unsulfured)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional: 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (for extra smoky flavor)

Equipment

• Large bowl (for soaking beans)
• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander (for rinsing beans)
• Knife and cutting board
• Oven-safe dish or casserole for baking

Instructions

1. Soak the beans: Rinse the dried navy beans well and place them in a large bowl. Cover with plenty of water and soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. If using canned beans, skip this step and proceed to step 3.
2. Cook the beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Place them in a large pot and cover with fresh water by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until tender, about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Drain the beans and set aside.
3. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C).
4. Prepare the sauce: In the same pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add the flavor base: Stir in the molasses, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and yellow mustard. Mix well to combine.
6. Season the sauce: Add smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, salt, and optional liquid smoke. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir thoroughly.
7. Combine beans and sauce: Add the cooked (or canned) beans to the pot, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce.
8. Bake the beans: Transfer everything to an oven-safe dish if your pot is not oven-safe. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake for 2 to 3 hours, checking every hour to stir and add a splash of water or broth if the beans look dry. The sauce should thicken and the beans become creamy and tender.
9. Final touch: Remove from the oven and let sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld even more.

Tips & Variations

“For added depth, try using a splash of soy sauce or tamari to enhance the umami flavor.”

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat kick.

Use different beans: While navy beans are classic, you can swap in great northern or cannellini beans for a similar texture.

Slow cooker option: After preparing the sauce and beans, transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for effortless slow cooking.

Smoky flavor: If you don’t have liquid smoke, smoked paprika alone provides a nice smoky undertone.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Boston baked beans are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a hearty side dish alongside classic vegan hot dogs or burgers for a backyard BBQ.

They also pair beautifully with steamed greens or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. For a filling meal, enjoy them over a bed of fluffy brown rice or quinoa.

Looking for more vegan comfort food? Try this alongside the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a creamy pasta or the Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe for a cozy dinner.

Conclusion

With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a comforting, flavorful dish that honors the tradition of Boston baked beans while embracing a vegan lifestyle. This recipe proves that plant-based cooking can be both nostalgic and innovative, offering a delicious way to enjoy a classic American favorite without animal products.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to reduce meat consumption, these Boston baked beans will quickly become a beloved staple. Don’t forget to experiment with the spices and sweetness levels to make it your own.

And if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat after your meal, check out the luscious Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for the perfect finish!

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