Baked Beans Recipe Slow Cooker Vegetarian Made Easy

Baked beans are a classic comfort food that brings warmth and hearty flavors to any meal. If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make vegetarian version, this slow cooker baked beans recipe is just what you need.

Perfect for busy days, the slow cooker does all the work, allowing the beans to soak up a rich, savory sauce filled with smoky and sweet notes. This recipe is not only wholesome and satisfying but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Whether you’re serving them as a side dish at a barbecue, a cozy dinner centerpiece, or a filling lunch, these baked beans are versatile and crowd-pleasing. Plus, making them in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other tasks or relaxation.

Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why these baked beans will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow cooker convenience: Toss all your ingredients in, and let the slow cooker do the magic while you go about your day.

Rich, smoky flavor: A combination of smoked paprika, molasses, and tomato paste gives these beans that classic baked beans taste without any meat.

Healthy and hearty: Packed with protein and fiber from dried beans, this vegetarian dish is both nutritious and filling.

Customizable: Easily adjust sweetness, spice, or texture to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly and perfect for meal prepping!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups dried navy beans (or Great Northern beans), rinsed and sorted
• 4 cups water (for soaking and cooking)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional for mild heat)
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup vegetable broth

Equipment

• Slow cooker (at least 4-quart capacity)
• Large bowl (for soaking beans)
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander (for rinsing beans)

Instructions

1. Soak the beans: Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover with water by 2 inches. Soak overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften the beans, making them easier to cook and digest.
2. Prepare beans for cooking: Drain and rinse the soaked beans thoroughly in a colander.
3. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic into the slow cooker. Add the rinsed beans, tomato sauce, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth.
5. Mix and cook: Stir all ingredients together until well combined. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. Check and adjust seasoning: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir the beans and taste for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or sweetness if needed.
7. Serve warm: Once cooked, give the beans a final stir and serve immediately or keep warm in the slow cooker until ready to eat.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked salt.

If you prefer canned beans for convenience, use 3 cans (15 oz each) of drained and rinsed beans, reduce cooking time to 2-3 hours on low, and skip soaking.

Try adding diced bell peppers or chopped carrots along with the onions for extra veggies.

Swap molasses for maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These baked beans pair wonderfully with classic barbecue dishes like grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or Green Chile Cheese Bread. Serve them over steamed rice or with crusty bread for a hearty vegetarian meal.

They also make a delicious filling for a vegetarian sandwich or as a topping for baked potatoes. For a comfort food twist, try them alongside your favorite kid-friendly potato recipes.

For a sweet dessert afterward, you might enjoy the nostalgic flavors of Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce.

Conclusion

This slow cooker baked beans recipe is a fantastic addition to any vegetarian cooking repertoire. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking process, it’s perfect for busy home cooks who crave wholesome, flavorful meals.

The combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors creates a comforting dish that satisfies both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Whether you’re preparing a casual family dinner, a potluck dish, or meal prepping for the week, these baked beans deliver on taste, nutrition, and convenience. Plus, the recipe is easily adaptable to suit your personal preferences, making it a versatile staple for your kitchen.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm bowl of hearty goodness that’s sure to become a favorite.

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