These vegan baked beans are packed with flavor from savory tomatoes, sweet brown sugar, and rich dark stout beer. Yum!
This recipe was sponsored by Le Creuset. All opinions are my own.
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You know that saying, "They just don't make 'em like they used to?" I'm quite certain the person who coined it was talking about cookware.
When my husband and I got married, we registered for a cookware set. After years of mismatched pots and pans, I was excited to get a matching set - a set that would last forever!
And then, a few years later, finishes started wearing off and handles started loosening and that pricey set of pots that I figured would last decades was in need of replacement.
Rather than getting another semi-disposable set of cookware, we made the decision to buy investment pieces. We began replacing our pots and pans one-by-one with nicer items, such as this Le Creuset cookware.
Le Creuset is a brand that does still make 'em like they used to - the same way they started making their products, back in 1925. And while Le Creuset is most certainly pricier than other brands, the difference is that this stuff is built to last a lifetime. It's the type of cookware you pass down to your children.
It's fitting, then, that Le Creuset has come out with a line of products called The Heritage Collection. I was sent this beautiful Heritage Bean Pot to try out in my kitchen.
(Note: This exact pot has since been discontinued, but I highly recommend their dutch oven as an alternative!)
So of course I had to use the bean pot to create a new recipe for... well... beans. I know, I am so creative.
I got to work experimenting and I've come up with what I think may be the best vegan baked beans recipe ever!
Why you ask? Well, these vegan baked beans are:
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Packed with rich flavor from ingredients like stout and brown sugar.
- Hearty and satisfying.
- Vegan.
- Vegetarian.
- Gluten-Free.
Adding stout to these baked beans gives them a deep, rich flavor - rustic, just like the bean pot they were baked in. This has quickly become one of my all time favorite vegan side dishes.
Tips & FAQs
Navy Beans. I used navy beans for my vegan baked beans, but this recipe will also work just fine with cannellini beans or even red kidney beans for a different take.
Tomato Sauce. This recipe calls for tomato sauce. In this case, we are looking for just plain tomato sauce that you buy in the canned good aisle, not a fancy pasta sauce. There is plenty of flavor from the other ingredients!
Dark Beer. I used a stout beer for maximum flavor, but any dark beer will work just fine. A porter will do the trick, and I even made it with Guinness once. Yum!
What pot should I use? Well, obviously I am recommending the Le Creuset pot in the pictures! But if you don't have one you can use a dutch oven or just a heavy pot with a lid. Just make sure it is both stove and oven safe.
What do I serve with baked beans? These vegan baked beans make a great side along with other barbecue favorites like this vegan potato salad and this vegan cornbread! Or just serve it up over some crusty bread
More Vegan Recipes
If you love these vegan baked beans, be sure to check out these other plant based favorites:
Recipe
Equipment
- dutch oven or covered casserole dish
- Frying pan or skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 sweet onion like Vidalia, medium, diced
- 12 oz stout beer
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- ¾ cup molasses
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp mustard powder
- 57 oz navy beans canned, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, until softened, 3-4 minutes.
- Add all remaining ingredients except beans and increase heat to high. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat, or until sauce has thickened. Remove from heat.
- Combine sauce and beans in a dutch oven or covered casserole dish. Cover and bake in the oven for one hour, or until beans have reached desired consistency.
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says
You're right they don't make them like they used to. I spent $600 on a well known set and 3 years later, it was looking like they went through the wringer. I was going to try Sur La Table's next since they get great reviews. If those don't pan out (HA! Wah wahhhh!) then I'll start adding Le Creuset's to my wish list.
Kiersten says
Yup, our set was a good brand too--I was so disappointed. But I've been really happy with Le Creuset. Not only does it last, but it makes me feel happy when I cook with it. I guess it's the colors? 🙂 We have an outlet near us, so I get most of my pieces there. They have some amazing deals, so I'd check to see if there's one near you!
Gene Grode says
I like the pot but why on earth would anyone make beans when "Bush Beans" are unbeatable?
My mother (rest her soul) made beans for years and years. They where good.
She came to visit me several years back and I served Bush Beans (I did doctor them up before baking). She said: "I will never make beans again, I couldn't beat theses"
She never made them again.
Kiersten says
Well, these are a little bit different than Bush's because they're made with beer. You can make canned baked beans in this pot too, though.
Wayne says
Because they are full of sugar and salt -- which means commercial baked beans are not healthy at all. Some are so sweet they should be dessert. I've seen no healthy commercial varieties. I sweeten my home-made baked beans with three tablespoons of maple syrup -- and that is quite sufficient.
Meagan says
If you think Bush's baked beans are the best, then you've never had good baked beans! I mean Bush's aren't terrible, they'll do when you need them quick and cheap... but they're really way too sweet. Nothing beats a good baked bean recipe. The one that floats around my family has bacon grease as an ingredient... how can you go wrong with that!
Scott says
Ummm, having both Bush's in my pantry and a go-to Baked Beans recipe, I definitely prefer home made. I will use Bush's in a pinch but, if I have the time, I am more than happy to make mine. Also, If I have to "...doctor them up...", I might as well just make mine anyway.
Lena says
I dream of buying Le Creuset pots, too. They are just so beautiful. At the moment I make do with what I have, but if I ever have some money to spare, that's what I'll get.
Kiersten says
Yup, that's why I buy mine one at a time, usually when I find a sale. They are pricey, but worth it!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
I have got to make it to the outlet one day. I'd love to start a collection. I absolutely LOVE baked beans, and this sounds deeeeeelicious. I've never had stout in them before.
Kiersten says
You do! I think there are 2 or 3 around here? And when you go, you need to get on their mailing list because they have some insane deals. The weekend cashier there knows me now--ha.
[email protected]'s Recipes says
What a special stewed bean recipe! Love your Le Creuset pot and bowl!
Kiersten says
The bowls actually aren't Le Creuset, but they do look like they could be, right? 🙂
[email protected] eco friendly homemaking says
I agree I would love to start a collection of these.
Kiersten says
They are fantastic! And you can get some really great deals on them at their outlet store too.
Food Crush says
My brother gave my hubby and I a bright red Le Creuset casserole pot for our engagement. We absolutely love it! I love the colour of your green bean pot. I want one!
Kiersten says
It took me so much time to choose a color! I love the red too.
All Natural Katie says
Le Creuset is my favorite brand of all time. Similar to you and your husband, we are buying piece by piece and I am getting gifted pieces also. I absolutely love the pot and the casserole I have been cooking with.
The beans look scrumptious!
Kiersten says
Le Creuset is one of my favorite brands too--I get so excited whenever I go to a store with a Le Creuset display. And the upside of collecting them piece by piece is that you can get all different colors! Okay, maybe some people wouldn't see that as an upside, but I do. 🙂
Heidi @ Food Doodles says
I know exactly what you mean! It's well worth the money to buy quality. I'm ever so slowly trying to build up my kitchen with a few quality items, but it takes a lot of time! I love baked beans from scratch - the flavor of these sounds awesome!
Kiersten says
Yes, it does take time! But at least it gives me something to look forward to. It wouldn't be very fun if I had everything I needed and never had a reason to go shopping for kitchen stuff. 🙂
Courtney Rae Jones says
I really would like to buy my first piece of Le Creuset soon. I don't mind spending the money on something of quality that will last a long time. And something in a fun colour! 🙂 These baked beans look fantastic! My boyfriend would love them. We have some good stout in the fridge right now I could use. Yum! 🙂
Kiersten says
Yeah, as I've gotten older I've come to realize that sometimes cheaper ends up being more expensive in the long-run. I think over time, you end up spending less with a brand like Le Creuset.
BusyWorkingMama says
I love their dishes. SO worth the cost!
Kiersten says
They really are! I can't wait to replace the rest of my pots and pans. 🙂
Anna @ hiddenponies says
I didn't even know they made specific bean pots! And this one is beautiful - one day I look forward to buying pots like this!
Kiersten says
I didn't either! Of course, it can be used for other things too. 🙂 I think it will come in handy for winter stews!
Brenda Williams says
Beautiful pot and love the recipe.
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says
My husband always gets lots of compliments on his beans recipe (AKA a can of Bush's with extras) but this is something he needs to try. He loves cooking (and drinking) beer. I love the pot too - what a great addition to any kitchen!
Kiersten says
Well, he could always throw some beer into his usual recipe. 🙂 I think any beer would work, but I like stout because it has such a rich flavor.
Jennifer H says
i love beans!! These look delish!
Shirley says
I saw this giveaway on your FB page a few days ago, and had to enter immediately! I love Le Creuset, and I have their braiser, a small oval dutch oven, and some baking dishes. No houseguests, including relatives, are allowed to handle any of them. People just take metal to cookware and abuse it, y'know? 🙂 The beans look great too, and the stout sounds like a fantastic flavor enhancer.
Kiersten says
Thanks for entering the giveaway! My husband has a habit of breaking dishes & glasses, so I get a little bit nervous when he's around my Le Creuset. 😉
Shell Fruscione says
The price is SO worth it when it actually lasts! We're at that place right now with our cookware where the finish is peeling & we're going to have to replace them soon- we may do the one-by-one thing you did, that way it's not quite so painful to pay all at once, but I am definitely thinking of getting Le Creuset!
Kiersten says
I highly recommend Le Creuset--I am so happy with mine! And yes, it's much less painful buying it one-by-one. 😉
Katie says
I keep wanting to buy some Le Creuset pieces and then the money just goes elsewhere. Those beans look awesome, and I love the color of the bean pot!
Kiersten says
The colors are half the fun of getting Le Creuset! 🙂
Christina says
I think I might be the first comment, that actually made this recipe. Everyone found the stout flavor super strong, almost bitter. Had to add a lot of brown sugar to make it palatable. You may want to re-check your quantities listed in the recipe.
Kiersten says
I'm sorry the recipe didn't turn out for you! I test all of my recipes 2-3 times before posting them and although there is a little bit bitterness from the beer, it shouldn't be so much that it's inedible or needs additional sugar added...
Christina says
No problem, after I added a lot more sugar (like a cup) they turned out great. Although the first group didn't like them, the second group I served them to (back-to-back parties) loved them. Even with all that sugar they still had the stout flavor.
Kiersten says
Well, as soon as I get the chance (probably after the holidays--things are crazy right now!), I'm going to make this again. I'm glad that adding sugar helped with the second round, but I really am sorry that it didn't work out the first time.
Danielle says
I don't have a bean pot (but I've just added one to my wish list after seeing yours); in the meantime, do you think the recipe would work in a regular Le Creuset French Oven? Thanks!
Kiersten says
I think that would work just fine. 🙂
Danielle says
Just wondering too, is that colour fennel or rosemary? I really am in love with your bean pot!
Kiersten says
It's fennel. 🙂
Danielle says
I keep returning to this page to gaze longingly at your bean pot. Unfortunately they don't seem to be available in Australia and though I could order one from Amazon, I have a feeling it would be too fragile to survive the trip. I'm hoping that someday they'll start selling them over here but in the meantime, I'll just have to keep admiring yours!
Kiersten Frase says
Oh yeah, I'd be worried about shipping it that far! I ordered a ceramic teapot from Sweden last year and it arrived in pieces, despite being packed up securely. 🙁 I hope you're able to get your hands on one soon!
Jenjin says
I've had this bean pot for a couple years and typically use it for soaking beans BEFORE cooking in a pressure cooker. I ordered this from Williams Sonoma for Christmas 2012 and whew! it snapped, cracked and broke the first time we put it in the oven. SO, I boxed it up and mailed it back to WS. They exchanged it for another and when it arrived, it had been boxed badly and was broken. I phoned them and promptly sent it back for a replacement. When the third replaced came, it too had been boxed by a chimp, and the lid was broken. I was MAD! Took it back to WS in person and hand carried it home, and now it stands on my stove, intact--for now. I'm pretty scared of it-over $100 and easily cracked, even while heating in the oven.
Le Creuset cannot do hearthware. Google it and read the Amazon reviews. They also mention the eggshell quality of this bean pot.
It's the prettiest bean soaking pot ever though, but beware of using it to cook.
Jenjin says
I am taking the leap tonight and this yummy looking recipe is in the oven-in the bean pot fingers crossed
Kiersten Frase says
Mine has held up well since I wrote this post, but I will admit, I don't use it that often. I'm sorry to hear that you've had problems with it! Isn't it frustrating when you order something in the mail and it arrives broken? I have had that happen so many times too! Sometimes it seems like they literally just throw things in the box with a few sheets of crumpled up paper.
Kerry says
Hi, Kiersten! Thank you for sharing your lovely recipes & "more"!
I stumbled across your blog, while Googling 'Bean Pots"... Being a Vegan, I love my beans! To boot, I've had a love affair with Le Creuset, for ages! Thus, your beautiful photos, yummy-looking Baked Beans recipe, and Le Creuset "combo", had me hooked! Ironically, while shopping at Sur La Table, just last eve', I came across your VERY pot-- color & all, on their clearance table! I was ecstatic! I had my heart set on one, just like yours-- your photos made me swoon! I've yet to break it in, but I'm looking forward expectantly, to my first pot! I was wondering if you would share who makes your bowls, too! I would love to find some, for my collection... They're very unique! Thank you, again & I look forward to following your future blogs! Warmly, Kerry
Kiersten Frase says
I hope you enjoy your new bean pot! 🙂 As for the bowls, they were a gift I received several years back, but I think I remember them being from Crate & Barrel...
Dennis says
I just purchased an antique Descoware 3qt Ceramic Coated Cast Iron Bean Pot that is an exact copy of the one from Le Creuset. I would have rather purchased a Le Cruset Version but of all the Ceramic Coated Cast Iron pots can you believe this is the only one they DO NOT make? The Descoware are pretty rare to find. If someone from Le Creuset is reading, I strong recommend that you consider making this version of the ceramic iron pot because Bean Pot cooking is starting to make a comeback!
Dennis says
Oops and I forgot to add, the reason I spent the bucks for the Descoware Iron pot is because my big buck glazed pot cracked because oven cooking over time tends to cause these not iron bean pots to crack.
Kishoree Kotecha -Pau says
Hi there, I have an unglazed bean pot and I was wondering if it is suitable for use on the hob?