Baked Beans Recipe Vegan Oil Free and Deliciously Easy

Baked beans are a comforting classic that bring warmth and heartiness to any meal. Making them vegan and oil-free doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or texture.

In fact, this baked beans recipe is packed with rich, smoky, and tangy flavors that will satisfy everyone at your table, whether they follow a plant-based diet or not. Using wholesome ingredients like navy beans, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices, this recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner.

Plus, baking the beans slowly enhances their natural sweetness and depth, making them irresistibly delicious without any added oil. Ready to enjoy a nutritious and comforting dish that’s easy on your health and the environment?

Let’s dive into this flavorful vegan baked beans recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan oil-free baked beans recipe is a game changer for plant-based home cooks and anyone seeking a healthier alternative to traditional baked beans. It’s:

• Wholesome and nutritious: Packed with fiber and protein from navy beans, with no processed oils or animal products.
• Full of flavor: Smoky, sweet, and tangy thanks to a perfect balance of tomato paste, maple syrup, mustard, and smoked paprika.
• Easy to prepare: Minimal hands-on time with mostly baking and simmering, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Great as a side, a main dish, or even a topping for toast or baked potatoes.
• Kid-friendly: Mild and naturally sweet flavors that kids often love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried navy beans (or 4 cups cooked/canned, rinsed and drained)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups tomato sauce (no added sugar or oil)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for mild heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)

Equipment

• Large bowl or pot for soaking beans
• Colander or sieve
• Large oven-safe baking dish or Dutch oven
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Soak the navy beans: Place dried navy beans in a large bowl and cover with water by 2 inches. Soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse well.
2. Cook the beans: Transfer soaked beans to a large pot, cover with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 45-60 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
3. Preheat your oven: Set oven to 325°F (160°C).
4. Sauté aromatics (optional but adds depth): In a medium saucepan, add a splash of vegetable broth and sauté chopped onion and garlic over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
5. Prepare the sauce: To the saucepan, add tomato sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
6. Combine beans and sauce: In your oven-safe baking dish or Dutch oven, mix cooked beans with the sauce. Add vegetable broth and stir gently to combine.
7. Bake the beans: Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake for 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring every 30 minutes. The sauce should thicken and beans become tender and flavorful.
8. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add extra salt, maple syrup, or vinegar if needed.
9. Serve warm: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For even richer flavor, prepare the beans a day ahead and refrigerate overnight. Reheat gently before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.”

• Use canned beans: For a quick version, substitute cooked dried beans with 4 cups canned navy or great northern beans. Reduce baking time to 30-40 minutes.
• Add veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, carrots, or celery with the onions for extra nutrition and texture.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder for a smoky heat kick.
• Sweetener swaps: Use agave syrup or brown rice syrup instead of maple syrup if preferred.
• Make it gluten-free: Ensure your vegetable broth and tomato products are gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Baked beans are incredibly versatile and can complement a variety of dishes. Consider serving them alongside:

• Toasted whole grain bread or vegan English muffins for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
• Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes topped with fresh herbs and a dollop of vegan yogurt.
• Grilled or roasted vegetables for a wholesome vegan dinner.
• Over rice or quinoa for a protein-packed bowl.
• As a filling for vegan tacos or burritos, combined with avocado and salsa.

If you’re looking for more vegan-friendly bread recipes to pair with these beans, check out my Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe or the delightful Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe. For a sweet finish, treat yourself to the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe.

Conclusion

This vegan oil-free baked beans recipe proves that you can enjoy a deeply satisfying, flavorful dish without any added oils or animal products. The slow baking process melds the spices and ingredients into a rich, comforting meal that is perfect year-round.

Whether you’re serving them as a side or a main, these baked beans bring warmth, nutrition, and heartiness to your table. Plus, they’re easy to prepare ahead of time, making them a great option for busy families or meal preppers.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the wholesome goodness of homemade baked beans that everyone will love. For more wholesome and delicious vegan recipes, don’t forget to explore dishes like the Half Runner Beans Recipe or the delightful Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe.

Happy cooking!

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