Vegan Baked Beans are a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or cozy dinners at home. This recipe swaps out traditional bacon for bold spices and smoky seasonings, delivering all the savory-sweet goodness of classic baked beans. Slow-cooked with a rich tomato base, a touch of maple syrup, and a hint of mustard, these beans are filling and delicious while being entirely plant-based. Serve them as a side dish or enjoy them as a main meal with crusty bread for a satisfying and wholesome bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- 1 tbsp molasses (optional)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, molasses (if using), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then add the water or vegetable broth to thin the sauce slightly.
- Add the beans: Stir the drained and rinsed beans into the sauce, making sure they’re evenly coated.
- Bake the beans: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sauce thickens and the beans are tender.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked beans cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them as a side dish or a main meal with a slice of crusty bread.
These Vegan Baked Beans are smoky, sweet, and perfectly spiced, offering a delicious and nutritious plant-based option that everyone will love!
