There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a simmering stew wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table. I recently stumbled upon my absolute favorite blend of robust flavors and hearty ingredients while trying to create a satisfying meal without any fuss. This Vegan Bean and Tomato Stew turned out to be the kind of dish that warms not only the body but also the soul. It’s a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a quick yet nutritious meal.
With a medley of Great Northern beans, zesty tomato paste, and a hint of smokiness, this recipe is not only easy but also versatile—ideal for impressing guests or comforting a weary friend. You’ll find that minimal effort leads to maximum flavor, making it an absolute win in my kitchen. So let’s dive into the ingredients and whip up a batch of these best easy vegan baked beans that promise to keep your cravings at bay!
Why are Best Easy Vegan Baked Beans a Must-Try?
Comforting flavors come together in a rich, savory stew that’s truly heartwarming. Quick preparation means you can have dinner on the table in no time. Healthy and hearty, each serving is packed with nutrients and the goodness of Great Northern beans. Perfect for gatherings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. For more delicious plant-based meals, check out our collection of easy vegan recipes. These Best Easy Vegan Baked Beans are sure to become a staple in your home!
Best Easy Vegan Baked Beans Ingredients
• Prepare to savor the flavors of this delightful meal with these essential ingredients.
For the Stew
- Extra virgin olive oil – A healthy fat that enhances flavor and aids in sautéing.
- Yellow onion – Adds a sweet and aromatic base to the dish.
- Garlic – Brings depth and a lovely fragrance to the stew.
- Tomato paste – Provides richness and a concentrated tomato flavor.
- Vegan Worcestershire sauce – Infuses a savory umami taste without the meat.
- Blackstrap molasses – Adds a hint of sweetness and a touch of earthiness.
- Mustard – Gives a tangy flavor that brightens the dish.
- Smoked paprika – Contributes a delightful smokiness that rounds out the flavors.
- Liquid smoke – Intensifies the smoky essence for a comforting feel.
- Maple syrup – Offers a natural sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.
- Great Northern white beans – A hearty and nutritious base for this vegan baked bean dish.
- Sea salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the stew.
- Black pepper – A subtle spice that adds warmth and complexity.
- Fresh parsley – A vibrant garnish that adds color and a fresh taste.
Feel free to adapt these ingredients based on your pantry; you’ll discover that these Best Easy Vegan Baked Beans can truly match your personal taste!
How to Make Best Easy Vegan Baked Beans
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Let the oil warm up, which will help enhance the flavors as you proceed with the recipe.
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Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic. Add them to the skillet and cook until they become translucent, giving off a fragrant aroma—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
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Mix in tomato paste, vegan Worcestershire sauce, blackstrap molasses, and mustard. Stir everything together thoroughly until the mixture is well combined, creating a rich flavor base.
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Stir in smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and maple syrup. Combine these ingredients, which will add depth and a touch of sweetness to your stew, for about another 2 minutes.
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Incorporate the rinsed and drained Great Northern white beans. Gently fold them into your mixture, ensuring each bean is coated in that flavorful stew.
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Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the stew to simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, letting all the flavors meld beautifully.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This final touch will brighten up your dish and add a pop of color that is inviting and delicious.
Optional: Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Best Easy Vegan Baked Beans are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the base of the stew—including sautéed onions, garlic, and the sauce—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can rinse and drain the Great Northern beans a day ahead to save time. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting dish, just reheat the base in a skillet, add the beans, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat to meld the flavors. This way, you’ll have a hearty and nourishing meal that tastes just as delicious as when freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Bean and Tomato Stew
Fridge: Store the Vegan Bean and Tomato Stew in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Freeze the stew in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool and label with the date for easy identification later.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Leftover Tips: Incorporate new ingredients like fresh greens or additional spices when reheating to refresh the flavors of the best easy vegan baked beans.
Best Easy Vegan Baked Beans Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on these hearty beans and explore delightful alternatives!
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Smoky Kick: Add 1-2 tsp of chipotle powder for a smoky heat that enhances the dish’s rich flavor.
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Herb Infusion: Toss in a handful of fresh thyme or rosemary while simmering to elevate the herbal notes.
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Creamy Texture: Blend half of the beans into a smooth texture and mix back in for a creamier stew.
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Sweet & Spicy: Mix in diced jalapeños alongside the onions for a spicy twist that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
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Bean Variety: Substitute Great Northern beans with black beans or kidney beans to create new flavor profiles and textures.
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Veggie Boost: Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini during the sauté for extra nutrients and a colorful presentation.
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Gluten-Free: Ensure the Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free, or replace it with tamari to keep it safe for gluten sensitivities.
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Nutty Flavors: Stir in a spoonful of tahini just before serving—this will add richness and deepen the overall flavor.
Expert Tips for Best Easy Vegan Baked Beans
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Perfect Oil Temperature: Ensure the olive oil is hot enough before adding onions. This prevents sogginess and helps achieve that wonderful caramelization.
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Flavor Development: Allow each ingredient to cook slightly before adding the next. This builds layers of flavor, enhancing the richness of your stew.
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Bean Selection: While Great Northern beans are lovely, feel free to experiment with different beans. Just be mindful of cooking times, as longer-cooking beans may alter the texture.
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Balancing Sweetness: The maple syrup and blackstrap molasses add sweetness, so taste as you go. Adjust these additions to ensure the stew isn’t overly sweet—aim for balance.
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Simmering Time: The key to deep flavors is allowing your stew to simmer. Don’t rush it; let it cook longer, if possible, to develop an even richer taste.
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Garnishing: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and brightness. Don’t skip it—just a sprinkle goes a long way in elevating the presentation and flavor of your dish!
What to Serve with Vegan Bean and Tomato Stew?
There’s nothing more inviting than a hearty meal that leaves everyone satisfied and coming back for seconds.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up that delicious stew, crusty bread adds a wonderful texture and complements the flavors beautifully.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Serve these warm alongside your stew for a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the warm, smoky flavors of the beans.
- Fresh Green Salad: A vibrant salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew, brightening your plate.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa with herbs not only boosts the nutrition but also soaks up the rich stew, creating a satisfying bite with each spoonful.
- Roasted Vegetables: Offering a hint of sweetness and warmth, roasted seasonal veggies complement the smokiness of the stew while introducing delightful textures.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli breaks up the meal with its crunch and bright green color, enhancing both presentation and nutrition.
- Vegan Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet, cornbread pairs excellently with the deep flavors of the stew, bringing warmth and comfort to the table.
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc elevates the dining experience, perfectly balancing the robust flavors of the dish.
- Chocolate Avocado Mousse: For dessert, indulge in this creamy treat that is rich, yet exceptionally light, making it a fantastic finish to the meal.
- Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea post-dinner can further enhance digestion and provide a calming end to your cozy meal.
Best Easy Vegan Baked Beans Recipe FAQs
What type of beans is best for the stew?
Absolutely! While Great Northern beans are the star of this recipe due to their creamy texture and flavor, you can experiment with other beans like cannellini or navy beans if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times based on the beans you choose.
How do I store leftover Vegan Bean and Tomato Stew?
Store the Vegan Bean and Tomato Stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s best to let your stew cool completely before sealing it; this helps maintain its freshness and prevents condensation.
Can I freeze the Vegan Bean and Tomato Stew?
Yes! Freeze the stew in portion-sized, airtight containers for up to 3 months. Allow the stew to cool down, then label each container with the date for easy identification. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
What should I do if my stew is too sweet?
If you find your stew veering towards the sweet side, don’t worry! You can easily balance it out. Add a splash more of vegan Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of salt to enhance the savory flavors and reduce the sweetness. Let it simmer for a few more minutes after adjusting to meld the flavors together.
Is this Vegan Bean and Tomato Stew safe for pets?
While this stew is packed with healthy ingredients, be cautious with pets. Ingredients like garlic can be harmful to dogs and cats. If you wish to share a bit with your furry friend, offer a small portion without garlic or any seasoning to keep them safe.
How do I reheat leftover Vegan Bean and Tomato Stew?
To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. If it has thickened, don’t hesitate to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to get it back to your desired consistency. Enjoy your cozy meal again!
Best Easy Vegan Baked Beans for Cozy Weeknight Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Mix in tomato paste, vegan Worcestershire sauce, blackstrap molasses, and mustard until well combined.
- Stir in smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and maple syrup for about 2 minutes.
- Incorporate the rinsed and drained Great Northern white beans into the mixture.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.