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!
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Vegetarian Baked Beans Ingredients
- 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
How to Make 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.
These vegetarian baked beans are the perfect side at every backyard BBQ!
Calico Bean Recipe FAQs
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. 😃
📖 Recipe
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Vegetarian Baked Beans Recipe
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
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
FAQ
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. 😄
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.
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.
These beans are the perfect side at any cookout. Grilled burgers or brats, really anything off the grill. And they are a great source of protein on their own. I purposely made them vegetarian to make them suitable for any cookout: both vegetarians and meat eaters will enjoy these beans!
Yes, these beans will freeze very well! Just let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer safe container, then place in the freezer. I like to make individual portions, it makes them easier to reheat later.
To reheat, let the beans thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm up on the stove top. You could also use the microwave, at a lower than 100% power setting. Because, you know, exploding beans and all. LOL
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:
Kayla DiMaggio
Baked beans are one of my favorites and this one hit the spot! Perfect for BBQs!
Sula
Mine too!
Emily
These baked beans were so amazing! Everyone loved them at my BBQ and had no idea how easy they were to make.
Sula
They really are the perfect BBQ side!
Beth
Yum! This recipe is so delicious and easy! I love that it's vegan! I can't wait to make this recipe again!
Sula
Yes, its a great way to have a vegan alternative at a cookout.
Pam
What a fun and different version of baked beans! Can't wait to try this version.
Sula
Try it - you won't notice the absence of meat!
Traci
The liquid smoke is a key ingredient in this recipe. Classic, easy, and delicious...thanks for sharing 🙂
Sula
Yes, it makes a big difference!
Whitney
Great and easy meal for anytime of year! My go-to for family gatherings!
Sula
Yes, perfect for family get-togethers!
Jen
These are so delicious and simple to make. Love these!
Sula
I'm so glad! They are truly my favorite!
Debra
Simple and tasty...I'll be making this again.
Sula
I'm so glad you liked it!
Annemarie
I always thought baked beans could be amazing without the pork and now I know I'm right! These are delicious and the smokey flavor is just what it needed. Perfect for a vegan side at a BBQ.
Sula
Exactly, it's good to have some vegan dishes as an option for people. And no one will notice the absence of pork!
Cookilicious
These are just awesome..fail-proof recipe. Thanks for sharing
Sula
Thank you, yes, I was going for fool proof. I make these all summer long!
Traci
So easy and super delicious! Love it that these are meatless too...nobody misses it with this much flavor! Thanks for sharing 😉
Sula
Yes, I love all the flavor in these baked beans!
Toni Dash
This is absolutely amazing! Can't wait to make it again!
Sula
Thank you, I'm so happy you liked them!