Vegan Baked Bean Casserole
A hearty and healthy take on a classic comfort food. This oil-free casserole combines navy and kidney beans in a smoky, tangy tomato sauce, naturally sweetened with a touch of maple syrup. Perfect as a main or a side.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and sauté the vegetables
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of vegetable broth as needed to prevent sticking, until the vegetables have softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Build the sauce
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Combine and bake
- Gently fold in the rinsed and drained navy beans and kidney beans.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop.
- If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and is bubbling around the edges.
Rest and serve
- Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinsing canned beans well helps to remove excess sodium and reduces gas-producing compounds.
- 2For a deeper, smokier flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- 3This casserole is great for meal prep. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- 4Feel free to use other beans like pinto or black beans if you have them on hand.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
For an extra protein boost, stir in 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled firm tofu along with the beans.
quickQuick
If you're short on time, you can skip the baking step. Simply simmer the casserole on the stovetop for 15-20 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
kid friendlyKid friendly
To make it more appealing to kids, reduce the chili powder and Dijon mustard for a milder, sweeter flavor profile.
budget friendlyBudget friendly
To make this even more economical, use dried beans. You'll need about 1 cup of each type, soaked overnight and cooked until tender before starting the recipe.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
The combination of navy and kidney beans provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health, blood sugar regulation, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Beans are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, which helps with muscle repair and maintenance, making this a satisfying and nourishing dish.
Heart-Healthy and Low-Fat
This recipe is made without any added oil, making it naturally low in saturated fat. The high fiber and nutrient content from beans and vegetables support cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is very healthy. It's packed with fiber and plant-based protein from the beans, is made without any added oil, and uses a minimal amount of natural sweetener. It's a wholesome and satisfying meal.