Craving something cozy, smoky, and totally plant-based? This Vegan BBQ Baked Beans recipe is rich, flavorful, and the perfect sidekick to your next cookout or cozy dinner night.
There’s just something about a bubbling dish of homemade baked beans that screams comfort food—but these aren’t your average canned beans. This vegan version is loaded with hearty kidney beans, sweet peppers, and smoky BBQ sauce, making it a feel-good dish everyone at the table can enjoy.
If you love these, be sure to try my Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread, Balsamic Grilled Vegetables, or Jalapeño Coleslaw—they’re made to mingle with beans!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor bomb: Cumin, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and BBQ sauce pack every bite with smoky depth.
- No meat, no problem: You won’t miss the bacon thanks to bold, earthy flavors and slow-baked goodness.
- Meal-prep win: Tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully for quick vegan comfort food anytime.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Kidney Beans: My fave for baked beans—hearty, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up bold BBQ flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds that cozy, smoky vibe like they’ve been slow-cooked over a campfire.
- BBQ Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and totally essential—it ties all the flavors together.
- Crushed Garlic & Red Onion: The flavor duo that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your beans taste even better.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Maple-style beans: Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for a sweet twist.
- Spicy beans: Up the red chili flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
- Veggie boost: Mix in carrots, celery, or zucchini for added bulk and nutrients.
- Chipotle version: Sub smoked paprika with chipotle powder for a bolder smoky kick.
- Bean blend: Swap kidney beans with black beans, navy beans, or chickpeas—or mix 'em all!
- Fresh herb flair: Stir in thyme, rosemary, or oregano to elevate the flavor even more.
These easy vegan baked beans also pair beautifully with Roasted Potatoes or my Charred Corn Salad with Tomatoes—you can’t go wrong!
🔪 How To Make Vegan Baked Beans
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- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced red onion and bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add crushed garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and red chili flakes, stir and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add chopped tomatoes, cook for 5-7 minutes until they break down into a sauce. Stir in kidney beans and BBQ sauce, mixing until beans are well coated.
- Step 2: Pour the mixture into a baking tray, spreading it out evenly. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is slightly caramelized and the sauce is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious and hearty vegan baked beans!
💡Hint: Want a thicker sauce? Add 1–2 tablespoons of tomato paste with the tomatoes to deepen the flavor and consistency.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
Be sure to read my tips for making perfect vegan bakes beans:
- Use quality beans: Canned beans work great, but if you’ve got time, cooked-from-scratch beans have unbeatable texture.
- Spices matter: Check your spice dates! Fresh cumin and paprika make a big flavor difference.
- Don’t rush the sauté: Slowly cooked onions and peppers develop that rich, caramelized base you’re after in great smoky vegan beans.
💭 FAQs
Yes! These homemade baked beans freeze really well. Just cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
They can be! Just check your BBQ sauce for hidden gluten, or use a certified gluten-free brand.
Store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen over time—yay leftovers!
Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of water or in the microwave, covered, until warmed through
💖 Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with baked beans? Here are some tasty side dishes.
- Jalapeño Cornbread: A spicy-sweet classic to scoop up all that saucy goodness.
- Roasted Potatoes: The crispy edge you’ll love alongside the tender beans.
- Balsamic Grilled Veggies: Think zucchini, peppers, and onions to balance the dish.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, refreshing contrast—especially my Jalapeño Coleslaw.
- Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread: Rustic, nutty, and perfect for sopping up every last bite.
🍽 More Fantastic Vegan Recipes
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Vegan Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 1 red onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 3 tomatoes chopped
- 3 cloves crushed garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 cans kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Add the crushed garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and red chili flakes to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and create a saucy base.
- Add Kidney Beans and BBQ Sauce: Stir in the kidney beans and BBQ sauce, mixing everything together until the beans are well coated with the sauce and spices.
- Transfer to Baking Tray: Pour the mixture into a baking tray, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is slightly caramelized and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious and hearty vegan baked beans!
Absolutely loved this! The beans were hearty and flavorful, with just the right amount of smokiness and spice. The sauce was rich and satisfying, making it a perfect comfort dish. Definitely a new favorite in our household!