Vegetarian Boston Baked Beans With Molasses Recipe

Written by
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett has written five books about plant-based cooking and has developed hundreds of vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Learn about our editorial process
Jolinda Hackett
Published on 04/25/19 by Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett has written five books about plant-based cooking and has developed hundreds of vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats's Editorial Process

Updated 04/25/19

Pot of Baked Beans on a Blue Gingham
grandriver / Getty Images
  • Total: 85 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 75 mins
  • Yield: 6 Portions (6 Servings)
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
474 Calories
2g Fat
94g Carbs
25g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 Portions (6 Servings)
Amount per serving
Calories 474
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g 2%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 336mg 15%
Total Carbohydrate 94g 34%
Dietary Fiber 21g 76%
Protein 25g
Calcium 249mg 19%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Homemade vegetarian baked beans are a great and traditional addition to a picnic, outdoor vegetarian or vegan barbecue or to bring to any summer potluck. And, baked beans are easy to make in large quantities and just about everybody will love these sweet baked beans, even the vegetarian kids! Or, if you're British, baked beans on toast are an essential ingredient in a full English breakfast. 

Sure, you could pick up a can of vegetarian baked beans from the store, but these homemade Boston-style baked beans with molasses are much better and fresher, particularly if you have the time to use beans which you've cooked instead of from a can. However, if you're used to the baked beans out of the can, you might find that this recipe isn't quite as sweet (but that's a good thing, not a bad thing!), especially since it calls for molasses instead of sugar, and no other extra added sweeteners. 

Ingredients

  • 3 cups navy beans (or pinto beans, pre-cooked or from a can)
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 cup tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Pre-heat the oven to 350 F.

  3. In a large casserole or baking dish, stir together all of the ingredients, mixing well to combine.

  4. Cover, bake for one hour. If baked beans are too saucy, bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.

  5. Serve your homemade baked beans along with some homemade vegan skillet cornbread.

    Recipe Variations

    • This vegetarian Boston baked beans recipe is made with beans, molasses, onion, tomato paste, and seasonings, making it completely vegan as well as vegetarian. If you need it to be gluten-free as well, swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free substitute, such as tamari or Bragg's Liquid Aminos, and use either a gluten-free vegetable broth or water (read the label if you're using a store-bought vegetable broth, as some contain gluten and some do not). 
    • For a traditional version, try this Tradition Boston Baked Beans recipe.