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    Home » Side Dishes

    Vegetarian Baked Beans

    Published: Jul 30, 2020 · Modified: Nov 8, 2021 by Sula · This post may contain affiliate links · 56 Comments

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    I have always loved baked beans in a thick sweet sauce. It’s a universal side dish during grilling season, and a welcome addition to any backyard barbeque.

    I’ve been trying to make my own vegetarian version — without pork — for years and have finally found a combination of flavors that works for me. This makes them vegan, since no animal products are required.

    Which makes them a win for everyone!

    cooked vegetarian baked beans in a slow cooker

    Ingredients needed for these vegan baked beans

    • Beans – clearly the main ingredient. I use canned beans for convenience, and 3 different types to give that “calico” bean appearance and some variety in texture. My preferred beans are kidney, pinto and butter but these can be revised per the FAQs below.
    • Onion
    • Ketchup
    • Water
    • Brown sugar
    • Yellow mustard
    • Molasses
    • Apple cider vinegar
    • Chili powder
    • Liquid smoke
    3 types of beans in a bowl

    Can you really make homemade baked beans without bacon?

    I know what you’re thinking. They are actually called Pork and Beans, and how could they possibly taste right without the pork? This was a problem for me as well. It’s tough to get that special umami (savory) taste without using meat. But I was finally happy when I tried adding Liquid Smoke. Only a bit is necessary. It was the final ingredient needed to give my beans the flavor I craved.

    I also feel that most of the appeal of baked beans comes from the sweetness of the sauce. Most baked bean recipes call for either brown sugar or molasses. I use both. 😃

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    • beans and onion placed in slow cooker
    • sauce added to slow cooker with beans
    • cooked vegetarian baked beans in a slow cooker

    How to make these vegetarian baked beans

    I am using the term “baked beans” because it’s a catch phrase. We all call them that. However, I don’t bake them. My preferred cooking method is a crockpot/slow cooker. And I start with canned beans to make it as simple as possible.

    Basically, dump all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. My crockpot has a “warm” setting, which I switch to after about 6 hours on low. It’s a good sign when the sauce starts getting thick.

    Pin for Vegetarian Baked Beans

    These vegetarian baked beans are the perfect side at every backyard BBQ!

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    vegetarian baked beans on a white plate with a green b=vegetable and ribs behind
    5 from 125 votes
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    Vegetarian Baked Beans

    Use your slow cooker/Crockpot to make delicious vegan beans
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time6 hours hrs
    Total Time6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 94kcal
    Author: Sula

    Ingredients

    • 1 can butter beans rinsed and drained
    • 1 can pinto beans rinsed and drained
    • 1 can red kidney beans rinsed and drained
    • 1 yellow onion diced
    • ½ cup ketchup
    • ¾ cup water
    • ⅓ cup brown sugar
    • 2 Tablespoons molasses
    • 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
    • 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke
    • Dash of chili powder

    Instructions

    • Add all ingredients to slow cooker and stir well to combine.
    • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Check the beans at 6 hours and if the sauce is starting to thicken, reduce heat to warm. Stir and serve.

    Notes

    For Instant Pot, reduce water to ½ cup. Add all ingredients to Instant Pot, cover and seal. Set cycle to 18 minutes, high pressure. When cycle is done, allow the Instant Pot to natural release for at least 30 minutes before venting.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 240mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 62IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

    FAQ

    What are the “Calico Beans” you have referenced?

    Calico Beans is the term for the hamburger and baked beans casserole my mom used to make. It’s delicious and very popular, but definitely not vegetarian. The term also describes other pork and beans recipes that use multiple colors of beans. I love both the look and the taste. So I challenged myself to re-create that taste in a vegetarian version. 😄

    What types of beans can be used to make this baked bean recipe?

    As stated above, I like using 3 types to achieve that calico bean appearance. However, most any canned bean will work in this recipe. I have used navy beans, cannellini beans and great northern beans with success. Or, use 3 cans of the same type of bean (pinto) for a more uniform appearance.

    Can I use this recipe for Instant Pot baked beans?

    This recipe translates well to the Instant Pot. In that case, I prefer to sauté the onions a little first, since the Instant Pot makes that so easy. But it is not strictly necessary. Just put all the ingredients in the Instant Pot and cook for 18 minutes. Allow the pressure to release for at least 30 minutes before venting and then opening the lid.

    More ideas for your summer BBQ

    It's always good to have some vegetarian options along with all the meat, to have something for everyone. Here are some other recipes to help round out your summer BBQ menu:

    • Grilled chicken legs
    • Chinese chicken on a stick
    • Pork tenderloin
    • Grilled asparagus
    • Grilled zucchini
    • Sweet and sour pork kabobs
    • Grilled pineapple
    • Pulled pork
    • Grilled stuffed tomatoes
    • Caprese pasta salad
    • Potato salad
    • Easy pasta salad
    • Chickpea Avocado Salad
    « Corn Salad
    Chickpea Avocado Salad »

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Julia

      July 26, 2021 at 6:02 am

      5 stars
      A brilliant dish for a big get together and I love that you use a mixture of beans. I'm going to try these baked beans at the weekend. Thank you for sharing this.

      Reply
      • Sula

        July 26, 2021 at 7:10 am

        You're welcome, I hope your group loves it!

        Reply
    2. Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/

      July 25, 2021 at 9:31 am

      5 stars
      I don't have a slow cooker, but I still make baked beans often, and most of the time, the vegetarian version. It is easy to make, healthy and tasty. I must try your version - the sauce is slightly different than mine:)

      Reply
      • Sula

        July 25, 2021 at 1:11 pm

        I hope you love it!

        Reply
    3. Gina Abernathy

      July 25, 2021 at 8:43 am

      5 stars
      Baked Beans and summertime just go together. They are perfect for summertime cookouts and go great with bbq. Thanks for a vegetarian version.

      Reply
      • Sula

        July 25, 2021 at 1:12 pm

        I agree, any summer cookout must have beans!

        Reply
    4. Kayla DiMaggio

      July 24, 2021 at 7:33 pm

      5 stars
      Baked beans are one of my favorites and this one hit the spot! Perfect for BBQs!

      Reply
      • Sula

        July 25, 2021 at 8:04 am

        Mine too!

        Reply
    5. Emily

      July 24, 2021 at 12:43 pm

      5 stars
      These baked beans were so amazing! Everyone loved them at my BBQ and had no idea how easy they were to make.

      Reply
      • Sula

        July 25, 2021 at 8:04 am

        They really are the perfect BBQ side!

        Reply
    6. Beth

      August 18, 2020 at 8:56 am

      5 stars
      Yum! This recipe is so delicious and easy! I love that it's vegan! I can't wait to make this recipe again!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 18, 2020 at 9:05 am

        Yes, its a great way to have a vegan alternative at a cookout.

        Reply
    7. Pam

      August 18, 2020 at 8:45 am

      5 stars
      What a fun and different version of baked beans! Can't wait to try this version.

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 18, 2020 at 9:05 am

        Try it - you won't notice the absence of meat!

        Reply
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