British Vegetarian Baked Beans Recipe From Scratch Made Easy

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of British baked beans, especially when made from scratch. This classic dish, often enjoyed as a staple of a traditional English breakfast, can be transformed into a wholesome vegetarian delight that is both hearty and healthy.

By crafting your own vegetarian baked beans, you control every ingredient, avoiding preservatives and excess sugars commonly found in canned versions. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors that make baked beans such a beloved comfort food across the UK.

Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed side or a tasty topping for your toast, this recipe brings together simple ingredients with a slow-baked depth of flavor that will have you coming back for more.

Ready to impress friends or simply treat yourself to a nostalgic British favorite? Let’s dive into how to make this vegetarian baked beans recipe from scratch, perfectly suited for any meal of the day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade British vegetarian baked beans recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s completely plant-based, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike.

It uses simple, natural ingredients and avoids additives and excess sugars.

The slow baking method enhances the beans’ texture, making each bite tender yet robust, while the rich tomato sauce balances smokiness and sweetness for an authentic British flavor. It’s versatile and can be enjoyed on toast, as a side dish, or incorporated into other meals.

Plus, this recipe is budget-friendly and perfect for meal prepping, storing beautifully in the fridge or freezer for quick, comforting meals any time of the week.

Ingredients

• 400g dried navy beans or haricot beans (soaked overnight)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes (or use fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped)
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 750 ml vegetable stock
• Optional: pinch of chili flakes for heat

Equipment

• Large bowl (for soaking beans)
• Large saucepan or stockpot
• Ovenproof casserole dish or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Fine mesh sieve or colander
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Blender or immersion blender (optional, for smoother sauce)

Instructions

1. Soak the beans: Rinse your dried navy beans thoroughly. Place them in a large bowl and cover with cold water, allowing at least 12 hours or overnight to soak. This softens the beans and reduces cooking time.
2. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 160°C (320°F) to prepare for slow baking later.
3. Drain and rinse beans: After soaking, drain the beans and rinse well under cold water.
4. Cook beans partially: In a large saucepan, add the soaked beans and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 45 minutes, or until beans are tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.
5. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in your ovenproof casserole dish or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Make the sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, mustard powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
7. Add beans and stock: Carefully add the partially cooked beans and pour in the vegetable stock. Stir everything together so the beans are well coated in the sauce.
8. Slow bake: Cover the casserole dish with a lid or foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring halfway through. The sauce will thicken and the beans will absorb the rich flavors.
9. Final seasoning: Remove from oven and taste. Adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness if needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a blender or immersion blender to blend slightly, leaving some beans whole for texture.
10. Serve warm: Your homemade British vegetarian baked beans are now ready to enjoy!

Tips & Variations

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

Using dried beans might seem time-consuming but the flavor and texture payoff is worth it. If short on time, canned beans can be a substitute; just reduce baking time accordingly.

Feel free to experiment with sweetness levels using brown sugar, molasses, or maple syrup to suit your palate. Adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian version) can deepen the umami flavor.

For a spicy kick, toss in chili flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions. For a richer dish, stir in a tablespoon of vegan butter or coconut oil once baked.

Looking for more comforting and wholesome recipes? Try our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or the creamy and refreshing Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe.

Nutrition Facts

*Sodium content can vary depending on the amount of salt and soy sauce used.

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian baked beans recipe is wonderfully versatile. Serve it hot on thick slices of buttered toast for a classic British meal.

It also works beautifully as a side alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a light lunch or dinner.

For a heartier meal, spoon the beans over baked potatoes or mix into your favorite grain bowl. You can even use it as a topping for vegan sausages or alongside scrambled tofu for a protein-packed breakfast.

If you’re entertaining, consider pairing these beans with other savory delights like our Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe or the tangy and creamy Halibut Dip Recipe to impress your guests.

Conclusion

Making British vegetarian baked beans from scratch is not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved classic with a wholesome twist. This recipe captures the rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor profile that makes baked beans such a comfort food staple, without relying on canned ingredients.

It’s perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious homemade meal.

With simple pantry staples and a bit of patience during the slow baking process, you’ll create a delicious dish that can be enjoyed any time of day. Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can customize it to your taste with ease.

Don’t forget to try other delightful recipes like the Honey Raisin Challah Recipe for a perfect bread companion or the Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes for lighter bites to complement your meal. Happy cooking!

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