Looking for a simple and delicious vegan dish that will please everyone at the table? Try these Easy Vegan Baked Beans! Made with hearty kidney beans and flavored with garlic, paprika, cumin, and a hint of red chili flakes, this recipe is packed with bold and smoky flavors. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, these baked beans are sure to become a family favorite. Whip them up in no time and enjoy a satisfying, plant-based meal that everyone will love!
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Why This Recipe Works
You'll love these Homemade Vegan Baked Beans for their rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor from garlic, paprika, cumin, and red chili flakes. Easy to make and packed with protein and fiber, they're a healthy, plant-based addition to any meal. Versatile and perfect for meal prep, these beans taste even better the next day!
🥘 Ingredients
- Red Onion: Red onions add a mild, sweet flavor and a pop of color to your dish. They’re great for sautéing, providing a delicious base for your baked beans.
- Kidney Beans: Kidney beans are a protein-packed staple with a firm texture that holds up well in slow-cooked dishes. They absorb the spices and flavors perfectly, making them ideal for baked beans.
- Bell Pepper: Bell peppers bring a crunchy texture and a sweet, slightly tangy taste. They add vibrant color and freshness to your baked beans.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes add a juicy, acidic element that balances the flavors. They help create a rich, savory sauce that coats the beans beautifully.
- Crushed Garlic: Crushed garlic infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor. It enhances the overall taste, adding depth and warmth to the beans.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing and adds a smooth, rich flavor. It helps blend the spices and vegetables together while providing healthy fats.
- Ground Cumin: Ground cumin offers an earthy, slightly nutty taste with a hint of citrus. It adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile of your baked beans.
- Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika provides a deep, smoky flavor with a mild heat. It gives the dish a rich, savory taste and beautiful color.
- Red Chili Flakes: Red chili flakes add a spicy kick and a touch of heat. They elevate the dish by balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- BBQ Sauce: BBQ sauce brings a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor to the beans. It enhances the overall taste, making the dish irresistible and hearty.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetable-Loaded: Add diced carrots, celery, or zucchini to the sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition and texture.
- Spicy Baked Beans: Add extra red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Maple Syrup Baked Beans: Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness that complements the smoky flavors.
- Smoky Chipotle Beans: Substitute smoked paprika with chipotle powder for a different smoky flavor with a hint of heat.
- Mixed Beans: Use a combination of beans like black beans, pinto beans, and cannellini beans for varied textures and flavors.
- Herbed Beans: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for an aromatic twist.
- Tomato Paste Addition: Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to deepen the tomato flavor and create a richer sauce.
- Kidney Beans: Substitute with black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, or chickpeas if you prefer or if that's what you have on hand.
- Red Onion: Use yellow or white onions if you don't have red onions available.
- Bell Pepper: Substitute with other types of peppers like poblano or Anaheim for a different flavor profile.
- Olive Oil: Use any neutral cooking oil like canola, sunflower, or avocado oil.
- Fresh Garlic: If you don't have fresh garlic, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
🔪 How To Make Vegan Baked Beans
Step One: 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 Two: 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!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
Be sure to read my tips for making perfect vegan bakes beans:
- Choose Quality Beans: Use good quality canned kidney beans or cook your own from dried beans for the best texture and flavor. If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the recipe.
- Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for maximum flavor. Old, stale spices can significantly diminish the taste of your dish.
- Sauté Slowly: Take your time when sautéing the onions and bell peppers. Cooking them slowly over medium heat allows them to caramelize and develop a great smoky flavor.
💭 FAQs
Yes, you can freeze cooked baked beans! Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of your homemade baked beans and enjoy them later.
Baked beans themselves are naturally gluten-free since they are made from beans, which do not contain gluten. However, the gluten content can depend on the other ingredients and any sauces used.
Store cooled baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat your vegan beans on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed, or microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with baked beans? Here are some tasty side dishes.
- Grilled Vegetables: A medley of Grilled Zucchini, bell peppers, and onions complement the rich flavors of baked beans. Maybe try serving with these delicious Balsamic Grilled Vegetables.
- Jalapeno Cornbread: This classic pairing adds a slightly sweet and crumbly texture that balances the savory beans.
- Coleslaw: A fresh, Crunchy Coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast and lightens up the meal.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy Roasted Potatoes make a hearty and satisfying side dish.
🍽 Related 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!
Notes
Nutrition
