Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy Baked Beans offer a nutritious twist on the classic comfort food. Made with wholesome ingredients like navy beans, tomatoes, and natural sweeteners, they’re packed with fiber and plant-based protein without sacrificing flavor. Perfect as a hearty side dish, a main course, or even meal prep, these beans are filling, flavorful, and easy to make from scratch.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

navy beans (or any white beans)oniongarlictomato pastediced tomatoeslow-sodium vegetable brothapple cider vinegarDijon mustardpure maple syrup (or honey for a non-vegan option)smoked paprikaground cuminsaltblack pepperolive oil

directions

Rinse and drain the beans if using canned, or cook dry beans according to package instructions until tender.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large oven-safe pot or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté the chopped onion for 5-6 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Add the cooked beans and mix well to coat them in the sauce.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the oven.

Bake for 45 minutes, removing the lid for the last 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.

Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Add chopped bell peppers or carrots for extra veggies.

Use molasses instead of maple syrup for a deeper flavor.

Include a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for heat.

Top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish.

Mix in chopped spinach or kale toward the end of baking for added greens.

storage/reheating

Store healthy baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans?

Yes, canned beans work well—just rinse and drain them before use.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, it’s completely plant-based if using maple syrup instead of honey.

Can I make it in advance?

Absolutely. The flavors deepen over time, making it perfect for meal prep.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe pot?

You can transfer everything to a baking dish after simmering on the stovetop.

Can I add meat?

Yes, lean ground turkey or chopped cooked bacon can be added for extra protein.

Are these beans spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add heat with chili flakes or hot sauce.

Is it okay to skip the sweetener?

You can, but the sweetener helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar.

Can I use black beans instead?

Yes, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all your ingredients (like mustard) are gluten-free.

Can I cook it on the stovetop only?

Yes, just simmer covered for 30–40 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Conclusion

Healthy Baked Beans are a hearty, nourishing, and versatile dish that fits into any meal plan. Whether you’re aiming for a balanced diet or just want a tasty and satisfying dish, these beans are easy to love and even easier to make. Whip up a batch and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors—guilt-free.