Dinner

The Best Vegan Baked Beans Recipe

Byanna orden November 7, 2025November 7, 2025

Introduction

These vegan baked beans are rich, smoky, and perfectly sweetened, making them a hearty and comforting dish. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they’re an ideal addition to any meal or a satisfying main on their own.

A white rectangular dish filled with a dark brown baked dish that looks like beans mixed with small pieces of bacon or meat. The surface is shiny and slightly bumpy with some golden brown beans visible on top. A spoon resting inside the dish holds a scoop of the beans, showing thick sauce and textures of soft beans and bits of meat. A woman's hand holds the spoon near the bottom right corner of the dish. The dish is placed on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 yellow onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp tomato paste
3/4 cup ketchup
2/3 cup molasses
1/2 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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2: Heat a large nonstick saucepan over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add the chopped red and green bell peppers, garlic powder, and tomato paste. Stir well and cook for 30-45 seconds.
Step 3: Stir in ketchup, molasses, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, vegan Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, liquid smoke, and yellow mustard. Mix until fully combined and let the sauce simmer for about one minute to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Drain and rinse the canned Navy beans, then add them to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the sauce over the beans and gently stir to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Step 6: Take the baked beans out of the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for the soy sauce.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra smoky heat.
Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust flavor.
Double the sauce ingredients if you prefer extra saucy baked beans.

Storage

Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. These beans also freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a small, round wooden bowl filled with dark brown cooked beans coated in a glossy sauce, giving them a shiny texture. The beans are piled high in the bowl, with some pieces of caramelized, sticky sauce clinging to the top and between the beans. The wooden bowl rests on a rustic surface with muted tones and soft lighting that highlights the rich, deep colors of the beans and sauce. A white bowl with more beans is visible blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes, while Navy beans are traditional, you can use great northern beans or cannellini beans for a slightly different texture. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well.