Vegetarian Boston Baked Beans With Molasses

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 The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Jolinda Hackett
Updated 10/15/20
Vegetarian Boston Baked Beans With Molasses

The Spruce / Stephanie Goldfinger
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 75 mins
Total: 85 mins
Servings: 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
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. Plus, this recipe is easy to make in large quantities and just about everybody will love these sweet baked beans, even kids! 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. To make this recipe even better, use home-cooked navy or pinto beans instead of canned beans. You might find that this recipe isn't quite as sweet as some other recipes, especially since it calls for molasses instead of sugar and no other extra added sweeteners.

Serve homemade baked beans with other classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, and potato salad. Vegan cornbread is also a delicious accompaniment to baked beans.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups navy beans (or pinto beans; pre-cooked or canned and drained)
  • 1 yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

    Vegetarian Boston Baked Beans With Molasses ingredients

    The Spruce / Stephanie Goldfinger

  2. In a large casserole or baking dish, combine the beans, onion, vegetable broth, tomato paste, molasses, soy sauce, mustard powder, and garlic powder and gently mix.

    beans, onion, vegetable broth, tomato paste, molasses, soy sauce, mustard powder, and garlic powder in a Dutch oven

    The Spruce / Stephanie Goldfinger

  3. Cover and bake for 1 hour. If baked beans are too saucy, bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.

    Vegetarian Boston Baked Beans With Molasses in a Dutch oven

    The Spruce / Stephanie Goldfinger

  4. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.

    Vegetarian Boston Baked Beans With Molasses, salt and pepper added

    The Spruce / Stephanie Goldfinger

Tip

To make this recipe extra homemade, cook your navy or pinto beans from dried:

  • Soak the beans in water overnight or do a quick soak: Place the dried beans in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover. Let sit for 1 hour. Drain the soaked or quick-soaked beans.
  • Add the beans to a pot and cover with water or broth. If desired, add a bay leaf and/or a quartered onion. Add salt to taste. Bring to a boil over medium heat and then reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover. Cook for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.

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 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).
  • If you're not eating vegetarian, you can add cooked, chopped bacon to this recipe.