Barbecue Bean Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Barbecue beans are a classic comfort food favorite, perfect for family gatherings, cookouts, or a hearty weeknight meal. This vegetarian barbecue bean recipe brings all the smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors you love without any meat.

Packed with protein-rich beans and a robust homemade barbecue sauce, it’s a delicious, nutritious option that satisfies both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Whether you’re looking for a filling side dish or a main course, these beans deliver on flavor and texture, with a perfect balance of spices and sweetness.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your taste.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to prepare in just under an hour. If you’re craving a dish that’s warm, hearty, and full of smoky barbecue goodness, this vegetarian barbecue bean recipe is your go-to.

Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian barbecue bean recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful, combining the rich taste of smoky barbecue sauce with tender beans that soak up every bit of seasoning.

It’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. Whether you want to make it spicier or sweeter, or add your favorite vegetables, it’s easy to customize.

Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping because it tastes even better the next day when the flavors have melded together. And if you’re exploring more vegetarian dishes, try out some great related recipes like Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe for delicious plant-based ideas.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked kidney beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup cooked pinto beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup cooked black beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (vegetarian/vegan friendly)
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Equipment

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and chopping board
• Can opener (if using canned beans)
• Colander (for rinsing beans)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beans: If using canned beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and any canning liquids.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add spices and tomato base: Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 30 seconds to release the flavors. Next, pour in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth, stirring to combine everything well.
4. Sweeten and season: Add the molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and barbecue sauce. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Add the beans: Gently fold in all the cooked beans. Stir carefully to coat them evenly with the sauce without mashing them.
6. Simmer gently: Reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help thicken the sauce. Add salt to taste towards the end.
7. Final taste and adjust: Taste your barbecue beans and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more vinegar for tang, sugar for sweetness, or spices for heat.
8. Serve warm: Once the beans are thick and flavorful, remove from heat and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

“To get that authentic smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke or cooking the beans on a grill-safe pan over indirect heat.”

• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
• Add veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
• Use different beans: Try navy beans, chickpeas, or cannellini beans for variety.
• Slow cooker option: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
• Make it gluten-free: Most barbecue sauces contain gluten, so check labels or make your own gluten-free version.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian barbecue bean dish is wonderfully versatile. Serve it as a hearty side at your next barbecue alongside grilled corn and your favorite bread.

For a full meal, spoon it over steamed rice or quinoa, or use it as a filling for vegetarian burritos or tacos.

It also pairs beautifully with freshly baked bread like the Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe, or a crisp garden salad. For an indulgent treat, serve with a side of creamy coleslaw or even a slice of Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe to balance the savory flavors.

Conclusion

This vegetarian barbecue bean recipe is a delightful and nutritious way to enjoy classic barbecue flavors without meat. With a rich, smoky sauce and a medley of beans, it’s hearty enough to satisfy any appetite.

The recipe is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prepping or last-minute dinners. Plus, it’s highly adaptable—feel free to tweak the spices, add veggies, or serve it with your favorite sides for a personalized touch.

Give this recipe a try at your next gathering or weeknight meal, and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen. For more delicious vegetarian recipes, check out our collection of tasty dishes including the Half Runner Beans Recipe and the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe.

Happy cooking!

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