Baked beans are a classic comfort food that many associate with smoky, hearty flavors and a cozy, filling meal. But did you know you can enjoy all those rich tastes without any meat or animal products?
This vegetarian baked beans recipe is a delicious and wholesome alternative that pays homage to the traditional dish while keeping things plant-based and nutritious. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need a quick and satisfying side or main course.
The combination of tender beans, a tangy tomato sauce, and subtle smoky spices makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and customize to your taste.
If you’re looking to add more vegetarian meals to your repertoire or just want a flavorful baked beans recipe without the meat, this one is sure to become a staple. Ready to dive into a bowl of cozy, flavorful goodness?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian baked beans recipe is a perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. It uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients for a wholesome dish that requires minimal prep but delivers big on taste.
Unlike canned baked beans loaded with sugars and preservatives, this homemade version is fully customizable, allowing you to adjust sweetness, spice, and smokiness to your liking.
Ideal for all skill levels, it can be whipped up on a busy weeknight or slow-baked for deeper flavors on weekends. It’s a wonderful source of plant-based protein and fiber, making it a nourishing option for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to eat healthier.
Plus, it pairs beautifully with many dishes — from crusty bread to roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried navy beans (or 4 cups canned beans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Equipment
- Large bowl (for soaking beans)
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander or sieve
- Baking dish (if slow baking)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: If using dried beans, rinse them thoroughly in a colander. Soak the beans overnight in cold water, covering them by at least 2 inches. Alternatively, use the quick soak method by boiling beans for 2 minutes, then letting them soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse after soaking.
- Cook the Beans: Place the soaked beans in a large pot, cover with fresh water by 2 inches, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours until beans are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside. Skip this step if using canned beans.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring to avoid burning.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, molasses, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Add Beans and Broth: Add the cooked (or canned) beans to the sauce mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir gently to combine everything.
- Simmer the Beans: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For even deeper flavor, you can transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour, uncovered, stirring halfway through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the beans and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, sweetness, or spice as desired. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water.
- Serve Warm: Once the beans are perfectly tender and flavorful, remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your hearty vegetarian baked beans!
Tips & Variations
“For the best texture, avoid overcooking the beans — tender but intact beans make the dish more satisfying.”
- Smoky Flavor: Add a few drops of liquid smoke if you want an even smokier taste without meat.
- Beans Variety: Feel free to mix different beans like kidney, pinto, or cannellini for varied texture and color.
- Sweetness: Adjust maple syrup or brown sugar to suit your taste — some like it sweeter, others prefer more tang.
- Heat Level: Increase chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a spicy kick.
- Make it Vegan BBQ Style: Add diced bell peppers and a splash of vegan BBQ sauce for a summer cookout vibe.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 220 |
Protein | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 38g |
Fiber | 10g |
Fat | 3g |
Sugar | 8g |
Sodium | 450mg |
Serving Suggestions
Vegetarian baked beans are wonderfully versatile. Serve them as a hearty side to a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
They also shine as a main dish topped with chopped fresh herbs and accompanied by crusty whole-grain bread or warm tortillas.
For a classic touch, pair with scrambled tofu or a fluffy vegan pancake stack — you might enjoy inspiration from our Banana Pancake Recipe Men Eat Vegan Too Made Easy. Looking for more wholesome vegetarian dishes?
Check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for delicious ideas.
Conclusion
This vegetarian baked beans recipe brings the warmth and depth of traditional baked beans without compromising on flavor or nutrition. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a plant-based meal that feels hearty and satisfying.
Whether served as a side or the star of your plate, these beans are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
With simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that’s comforting and nourishing any time of year. Don’t forget to experiment with spices and sweetness levels to make it your own.
For more flavorful, healthy vegetarian recipes, explore our collection of Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals or spice things up with our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.
📖 Recipe Card: Baked Beans Made with Vegetarian Recipe
Description: A hearty and flavorful baked beans dish made entirely with vegetarian ingredients. Perfect as a side or main dish for any meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT1H
Total Time: PT1H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried navy beans
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Soak navy beans overnight in water.
- Drain and rinse beans, then add to a pot with 4 cups fresh water.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes until tender.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Mix tomato sauce, molasses, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cooked beans, sautéed onions and garlic, and sauce mixture in a baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 1 g | Carbs: 55 g
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