Baked Beans With Vegetables Recipe for Healthy Meals

Baked beans are a classic comfort food loved by many, but when you add a colorful medley of vegetables, the dish transforms into a hearty, nutritious, and vibrant meal perfect for any occasion. This baked beans with vegetables recipe balances the rich, savory flavors of slow-cooked beans with the freshness and texture of garden vegetables, making it an ideal side dish or even a main course.

Whether you’re looking for a warming dinner on a chilly evening or a wholesome dish to bring to your next potluck, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies and spices to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences.

In this blog post, you’ll find not only a step-by-step guide to preparing this delightful dish but also tips on equipment, ingredient substitutions, and ideas to make it your own. Dive in and discover how simple it is to create a nutritious meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked beans with vegetables recipe is a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, offering the warmth and comfort of traditional baked beans with a fresh vegetable twist. It’s packed with fiber and plant-based protein, making it a satisfying option for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Not only is this recipe straightforward and quick to prepare, but it also uses readily available ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. The slow baking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce that coats every bean and vegetable piece.

Additionally, this dish is incredibly versatile—you can swap in seasonal vegetables, adjust the spice level to your liking, or double the batch for easy leftovers. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a delicious side for your BBQs.

If you enjoy recipes like this, be sure to check out our Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love for more affordable and tasty meal ideas.

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 cup diced zucchini
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp molasses (or substitute with maple syrup for a lighter sweetness)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste) – for homemade blends, check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large oven-safe baking dish or casserole dish (about 9×9 inches)
• Mixing bowl
• Kitchen knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)
• Oven mitts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the dish cooks evenly and the flavors meld beautifully.
2. Prepare the vegetables: Finely chop the onion and garlic, dice the bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini, and chop the tomatoes if using fresh.
3. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the diced vegetables: Stir in the bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
5. Mix the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce, molasses, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Whisk well to combine.
6. Combine beans and veggies: Add the drained beans and chopped tomatoes to the sautéed vegetables, then pour the sauce mixture on top. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly.
7. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the entire mixture into your oven-safe baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil if you prefer a moister bake.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Halfway through, remove the foil (if used) to allow the top to thicken and develop a slight crust.
9. Check seasoning: After baking, taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the top before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.

Tips & Variations

For an extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked salt.

Try adding other vegetables like corn, chopped kale, or mushrooms for more texture and nutrition.

If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash some of the beans before mixing them in.

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free and vegan by ensuring your tomato sauce and broth are free of animal products and gluten-containing ingredients. For a spicy kick, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Leftovers make great packed lunches and can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave. For a quicker version, cook everything on the stovetop in a large pan for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

This baked beans with vegetables dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a hearty side alongside grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes for a balanced meal.

For a filling main course, enjoy it over steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty whole-grain bread to soak up the rich sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or sautéed greens for extra nutrients and color.

Looking for more wholesome plant-based meals? Check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for inspiration that spans all meal types and flavors.

Conclusion

Baked beans with vegetables is a delightful recipe that brings together the best of both worlds—comfort food and wholesome nutrition. This recipe is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand.

The combination of smoky spices, sweet molasses, and tangy vinegar creates a rich, balanced flavor that will satisfy vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this baked beans with vegetables dish is a must-try. Don’t forget to explore other healthy and delicious options like our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals or whip up some fun sides with the Vegan Chipotle Bowl Recipe for a Flavorful Healthy Meal.

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