The Best Vegan Baked Beans Recipe (2024)

Published: Sep 11, 2020 · Modified: Jan 20, 2024 by Shane Martin · This post may contain affiliate links.

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This classic dish is the perfect addition to your summer cookout. These vegan baked beans are sweet, tangy, smoky, and absolutely delicious.

Yes, you could buy vegetarian baked beans at the store. But, once you make this vegan baked beans recipe you will never again entertain such a thought.

Baked beans are the ultimate spring and summer side dish. Put these bad boys on your table with my vegan carrot dogs, potato salad, and vegan coleslaw, and watch them disappear. No one will have a clue they’re vegan.

This recipe comes together in about10 minutes. Then, you just put them in the oven and bake for90 minutes. And, once it’s finished…PERFECTION!

Ready? Let’s bake some beans!

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need For This Recipe

These vegan baked beans recipe uses simple wholesome ingredients and canned beans. So, no presoaking is required.

Chopped Veggies:onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper
Garlic Powder:adds an earthy and savory essence to the vegetables.
Tomato Paste:I consider this an “optional” ingredient. But, I love the little extra “bite” that it adds.
BBQ Sauce:A mixture of ketchup,molasses,maple syrup, yellow mustard,apple cider vinegar, veganWorcestershire sauce, and low-sodiumsoy sauce.
Liquid Smoke:I love the smoky flavor of traditional baked beans. You can also use smoked paprika as well.
Canned Beans:Navy beans and Great Northern Beans are my favorites with this recipe. But, Cannellini beans and Pinto beans are good too. Really, any type of white beans would work for this recipe.

How To Make Vegan Baked Beans

This is such an easy recipe and is perfect when you need a killer side dish everyone will love.

Preheat the oven to350 degrees F.
Heat a large nonsticksaucepanover medium heat and sauté the chopped onions. Cook for2-3 minutesor until the onions are soft. Toss in the bell peppers, and add the garlic powder, and tomato paste. Stir everything together and cook for30-45 seconds. Use1-2 tablespoonsof vegetable broth in place of oil to prevent sticking if needed.
Pour in all the bbq sauce ingredients (ketchup,molasses,maple syrup,apple cider vinegar, veganWorcestershire,soy sauce, liquid smoke, and mustard) and stir until everything is well combined. Let the sauce simmer for about a minute to allow all the flavors to meld together.
Drain and rinse the canned beans and add them to a9×13 baking dish(affiliate link). Pour the bbq sauce over the beans and gently stir until all the beans are covered and everything is well combined.
Wrap the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for 30 more minutes.

The BBQ sauce will thicken up the longer it cooks in the oven. I like to add a little extra time when I make it. I have cooked these for up to2 hoursand they came out perfect.

How To Serve Vegan Baked Beans

Here are a few of my favorite sides that go perfectly with these vegan baked beans:

Easy Vegan Cornbread
Vegan Macaroni Salad
Grilled Corn On TheCob
Easy Sauteéd Kale
Roasted Asparagus with Tahini Sauce

Tips & Suggestions

If you prefer to use dry beans check out this article fromLove & Lemons on how to cook dry beans. But, just keep in mind the process will be much longer. And, if you don’t have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker you will have to soak the beans which add even more time.
Sweetener:If you’re not a fan ofmaple syrupyou can substitute it with a small amount of brown sugar or omit it altogether.
Slow Cooking:If you want to use your crockpot, start by adding the beans to your slow cooker. Then, add all remaining ingredients and cook for4-5 hours on the highest settingor6-8 hours on the lowest setting. Be sure and check your beans frequently and stir to prevent any burning.

How To Store Leftovers

This vegan baked bean recipe is easily doubled and great for batch cooking. Place any leftovers in a covered container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I Freeze Baked Beans?

Yes, absolutely! Let the beans cool to room temperature then freeze them in one large freezer-safe container or separate containers for individual servings.

When you’re ready to enjoy the beans, place them in the fridge overnight to thaw. Then, simply warm them up in a pan on the stove or microwave. Just be sure they are hot before serving.

Are Vegan Baked Beans Gluten-Free?

The recipe as written is not gluten-free because thesoy saucecontains wheat. But, all you have to do is replace thesoy saucewithTamari, and just like that…gluten-free vegetarian baked beans!

More Vegan Bean Recipes

Classic Hummus
Easy Black Beans
Classic Three Bean Salad
Easy Refried Beans

If you make this recipe let me know. Be sure and leave a comment below with a star rating. And, share a picture onInstagramwith the hashtag#shaneandsimple. I want to see your work. Enjoy!

The Best Vegan Baked Beans

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5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

4.9 from 21 reviews

This classic dish is the perfect addition to your summer cookout. These vegan baked beans are sweet, tangy, smoky, and ready in 30 minutes.

Author: Shane Martin
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Bake
Cuisine: Vegan
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

UnitsScale

1 yellow onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp tomato paste
¾ cup ketchup
⅔ cup molasses
½ cup maple syrup
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp vegan Worcestershire
1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (sub tamari to make gluten-free)
2 tsp. liquid smoke
1 Tbsp yellow mustard
Salt to taste (if necessary)
(4) 15–ounce cans Navy beans (low-sodium or no salt added), drained and rinsed

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat a large nonstick saucepan over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the onions are soft. Toss in the bell peppers, add the garlic powder, and tomato paste. Stir everything together and cook for 30-45 seconds.
Add the ketchup, molasses, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, vegan Worcestershire, soy sauce, liquid smoke, and mustard. Stir until everything is well combined. Let the sauce simmer for about a minute and let flavors simmer together.
Drain and rinse the canned beans and add them to a 9×13 baking dish. Pour the bbq sauce mixture over the beans and gently stir until all the beans are covered and everything is well combined.
Wrap the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for 30 more minutes. The bbq sauce will thicken as it cooks.
Remove from the oven and serve.

Equipment

Molasses

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Wooden Cooking Utensils

Notes

This recipe is easily doubled and is great for batch cooking. Place any leftovers in a covered container and store them in the fridge for up to a week.

Yes, absolutely! Let the beans cool to room temperature then freeze them in one large container or separate containers for individual servings. When you’re ready to enjoy the beans, place them in the fridge and defrost them overnight. Then, simply warm them up in a pan on the stove or microwave. Just be sure they are hot before serving.

The recipe as written is not gluten-free because the soy sauce contains wheat. But, all you have to do is replace the soy sauce with Tamari and just like that…gluten-free vegetarian baked beans!

If you prefer to use dry beans check out this article from Love & Lemons on how to cook dry beans. But, just keep in mind the process will be much longer.

If you’re not a fan of maple syrup you can substitute it with a small amount of brown sugar or omit it altogether.

If you want to use your crockpot, start by adding the beans to your slow cooker. Then, add all remaining ingredients and cook for 4-5 hours on the highest setting or 6-8 hours on the lowest setting. Be sure and check your beans frequently and stir to prevent any burning.

Nutrition

Serving Size:
Calories: 225
Sugar: 29.3 g
Sodium: 277.5 mg
Fat: 0.7 g
Carbohydrates: 45.7 g
Fiber: 6.9 g
Protein: 6.8 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

More Side Dishes

Best Vegan Cornbread Recipe
Simple Sautéed Swiss Chard Recipe
The Best Bang Bang Cauliflower
Crispy Oil-Free Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes

Reader Interactions

Comments

Let Me Hear From You!

Christa Guilbeault
December 08, 2023 at 2:24 pm
I’ve made these twice now for two different events and they are a crowd pleaser. I’m the only vegan among my family/friends and everyone loved them. The molasses adds a great depth to the recipe.
Reply
Kathleen
August 15, 2023 at 11:03 am
Can I prepare these ahead of time and keep in the fridge before baking? I want to make them for a family weekend coming up. Thanks for all your wonderful recipes, Shane.!
Reply
Laurie
August 09, 2023 at 8:03 pm
Easy delicious recipe! We had these with supper tonight (crockpot-too hot to cook). Absolutely will cook again. Thanks Shane!
Reply
Diane H
July 12, 2023 at 10:05 am
This was Fabulicious! I only used a quarter cup of maple syrup, and it was plenty sweet enough. Thank you so much for the great, simple recipes. I really appreciate them.
See Also
I Tried the Recipe for Thomas Keller’s Viral Zucchini, and It’s the Perfect Side Dish Homemade Worcestershire Sauce Recipe Vinegar Coleslaw (no mayonnaise) Recipe - Rachel Cooks®Easy Asian Salad Dressing Recipe | Little Sunny Kitchen
Reply
- Shane Martin
  July 13, 2023 at 3:10 pm
  Thank you so much!
  Reply
Sharan
July 04, 2023 at 5:20 pm
These were so good. I only had two cans of beans but did full recipe of the sauce. Mistake as it was to sweet. Next time I will adjust accordingly. I like a bit more savory but my husband gobbled them up! Also made the French potatoes salad. Very good! Thanks Shane for all your great recipes I love trying!!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  July 06, 2023 at 1:54 pm
  Thank you!
  Reply
Nicole
July 04, 2023 at 3:37 pm
This recipe popped up for me on Facebook on the Fourth of July, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I made it to bring to friends barbecue and it was a huge hit! This is definitely going into the keep file! Just the perfect amount of sweet and savory. Absolutely delicious!!!!!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  July 06, 2023 at 1:54 pm
  It was divine intervention:) So glad you enjoyed it.
  Reply
Kim Alvarez
March 30, 2023 at 8:32 am
Shane for the molasses can you substitute black strap molasses for the molasses, thank you in advance, I have loved everyone of your recipes that I have tried, thank you
Reply
- Shane Martin
  March 30, 2023 at 4:09 pm
  Yes, absolutely! I actually meant to specify this was black strap molasses and probably left it out. Sorry for the confusion.
  Reply
Lynne Murray
September 05, 2022 at 7:52 pm
I made these for the first time tonight. It won’t be the last! They are so good. Though they will be more of a treat as they are very high in sugars. I made “Carrot Dogs” to go along with this. Since the beans have so much sauce/flavor, I did like a friend does. I just boiled the carrots until just slightly tender and then grilled on my Ninja Foodie Grill/Air Fryer. We had them on a roll with slices of roasted peppers, ketchup and mustard. Made a great Labor Day Picnic dinner. We also had a tossed salad.
Reply
- Shane Martin
  September 07, 2022 at 7:05 am
  Awesome, Lynne!
  Reply
Frances
August 15, 2022 at 3:31 pm
What can I use to replace the Molasses? Can I just replace it with more maple syrup?
Reply
- Shane Martin
  August 17, 2022 at 4:11 pm
  You could leave it out if you wish. I like the color and depth it adds. But, it’s not for everyone.
  Reply
Deb Z
July 05, 2022 at 11:19 am
Hi Shane,
Can we use an instant pot and if so, how long should we cook it?
Reply
- Shane Martin
  July 05, 2022 at 12:41 pm
  Hi, Deb! This recipe uses canned beans so I would say no more than 3-4 minutes. But, if you want that caramelization on top and for the dish to thicken, it will need to be baked. Peace.
  Reply
Andy R.
July 04, 2022 at 8:26 pm
This was the first recipe I’ve made from your website. I heard you interviewed by Rip E. On the Plant Strong podcast. I made this for a July 4th cookout and it was a huge hit. I like making recipes exactly as prescribed the first time then changing. I wouldn’t change this one at all. It sounds strange, but the peppers and onions had the same mouth feel as the pork in my mom’s baked beans. I haven’t had those since going vegan 12 years ago. I don’t miss the pork.
Reply
Sara
June 14, 2022 at 11:05 am
Fantastic recipe! Sweet and smoky. I made this with dried Marcella beans from Rancho Gordo (cooked in the slow cooker first) and it turned out absolutely perfectly.
See Also
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Reply
Terri Geroux
December 04, 2021 at 3:35 pm
Delicious! I increased to two onions, cut into large chunks, then baked all ingredients in a Dutch oven. Otherwise, followed the recipe as outlined. It was a big hit, even for those who do not usually love baked beans (and who are not vegan.) i will definitely make again and may try adding some chopped jalapeno. Thank you for the recipe.
Reply
Carla Flaim
June 08, 2021 at 8:36 pm
Crowd favorite. I used blacked beans and pinto beans (canned). I was surprised that the beans were kind of hard after baking. Not sure if it was the beans or something in the recipe that might make the beans harden while cooking. Any thoughts? I have made this twice and it never fails to be a hit.
Reply
Laura Behenna
May 16, 2021 at 2:17 pm
Hi Shane, I’d like to use fresh garlic (from my garden) in this great-looking recipe. How much fresh fresh garlic do you think should be subbed? If you think garlic powder really makes the dish better I’ll take your advice, thanks!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  June 04, 2021 at 10:51 am
  Hi, Laura! It really depends on what you want. I use garlic powder because it’s “easy” and I’m lazy. LOL! But, a couple of cloves of fresh garlic would work great.
  Reply
Wendy
April 25, 2021 at 5:28 pm
So delicious, Shane! I made them recipe as is, but used 11/2 tsp smoked paprika vs liquid smoke, and baked for 2 hours as per your preference. YUM! We’ll be having them with your vinegar-based coleslaw and corn on the cob for tonight’s supper. Looking forward to trying more of your recipes!
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Thomas
March 30, 2021 at 8:33 pm
Very delicious,
I used bbq sauce instead of ketchup, for a little kick….✌
Reply
Judy N.
January 26, 2021 at 3:41 pm
This recipe is great.. I used one cup dry beans soaked, simmered and rinsed, added a can of Romano beans ( thats what I had) added one cup red lentils with 2 cups water
, decreased maple syrup to 1/4 cup. and proceeded with the recipe. Mashed one cup of the beans after the first hour then mixed it back in and baked for 30 minutes uncovered. (yes, had to had to put my own touch) Thanks Shane for another winner!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  January 27, 2021 at 10:46 am
  Judy, that is so great! These recipes are sacred and I love it when people add their own touches. Way to go!!!
  Reply
L
January 26, 2021 at 2:47 pm
These are fabulous! I substituted a 14oz. can of drained petite diced tomatoes for the ketchup. I had to cook the dish for an extra 30 minutes, but it was worth it.
Reply
Janet
December 08, 2020 at 10:58 am
I have Sorghum syrup on hand. Do you think I can substitute sorghum syrup for the molasses? Thanks. I love so many of your recipes!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  December 08, 2020 at 10:14 pm
  Hi, Janet! It will work very well.
  Reply
Em
November 23, 2020 at 11:33 am
Hey Shane, when you switch from 1X, 2X,3X on the recipe, beans quantity doesn’t change. i assume it’s because you put it in parenthesis.
I’m wondering how many cans of beans to double the recipe?
Reply
- Shane Martin
  November 23, 2020 at 12:24 pm
  That was the problem. It’s all fixed now. Thanks for letting me know.
  Reply
Donna
September 29, 2020 at 5:30 pm
Delicious…I, too, made the mistake of halving the recipe as there were only three of us eating them at dinner last night. Haha, no leftovers for lunch today. Lesson learned! Thanks for a great recipe that will be used over and over again!
Reply
Laura
September 27, 2020 at 7:15 pm
I have made several of your recipes & I recommend them all in my Plant Based Vegan PlantPure Pod group I lead. Many of the members share your recipes, not just me. 🙂 Everything I have made of yours is outstanding. These beans are amazing. I have never made baked beans before until today. I also made your cornbread (again) to go with the beans. And I have soy curls soaking now & will use your BBQ seasoning on them before cooking & adding sauce. I could live a long & happy life with your recipes alone & no one elses. 🙂 Thanks for being awesome!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  September 27, 2020 at 7:30 pm
  Laura, thank you so much for the very kind words. This encourages me so much! If you wouldn’t mind, I’d really appreciate you rating the beans. It helps me with Google and others:) Blessings!
  Reply
- Laura M Williams
  October 01, 2020 at 9:23 pm
  Delish!!! My bad I forgot to rate!
  Reply
  - Shane Martin
    October 02, 2020 at 2:46 pm
    LOL! No worries, Laura:) Thank you!
    Reply
Melanie
September 22, 2020 at 7:26 pm
These were very good. I made my beans from dry beans. I baked them one hour covered but the beans were a little dry. I think this was because, despite my best efforts and measurements, there were more dry beans than there would have been if I had used canned.
I threw the beans in a pot on the stove and added water, stirring to mix well, and they were the perfect consistency.
Reply
- Shane Martin
  September 23, 2020 at 10:09 am
  That’s great, Melanie!!!
  Reply
Candace
September 14, 2020 at 2:35 am
Excellent recipe! I cut the recipe in half….big mistake they are delicious and I should have made the whole recipe. I served them at a backyard dinner and my 2 grown kids who are not plant based loved them.
Highly recommend. We have a rating in our family One and done or make again. These were rated make again soon!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  September 14, 2020 at 9:13 am
  That is awesome, Candace. Thank you!
  Reply
e
September 14, 2020 at 12:00 am
Looks like lots of sugar! How would you recommend decreasing it.? Really looks good!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  September 14, 2020 at 9:14 am
  Simply decrease the maple syrup by half or you can replace the ketchup tomato sauce. Hope this helps.
  Reply
tara g
September 13, 2020 at 1:59 pm
Gee…. these turned out great. Taste is excellent ! Dinner for a couple of days! Yeah!!
Reply
Barbara
September 11, 2020 at 5:44 pm
Hi Shane, I’m in the UK. What are great northern beans, never heard of them here 🙂
Are they like a Pinto?
Reply
- Shane Martin
  September 12, 2020 at 11:12 am
  Hi, Barbara! Yes, kinda like a white pinto bean. You can use white beans or navy beans.
  Reply
  - Barbara
    September 16, 2020 at 6:25 am
    Thank you, I think I’ll give these a go, they look delish
    Reply
- Kathy
  September 12, 2020 at 8:29 pm
  Barbara, they are like a cannellini bean, just a little bigger.
  Reply