Vegetarian Kansas City Style Baked Beans with Molasses

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-baked beans with a rich molasses and tomato base, flavored with smoked paprika and mustard, a vegetarian twist on Kansas City’s classic baked beans. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 205 minutes pairs navy beans, yellow onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 190 min Serves 6 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 6-7 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 3 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups soaked and drained navy beans, 1/4 cup molasses, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Bring mixture to a simmer on the stovetop, then cover and transfer pot to the oven. Bake for 3 hours, stirring once halfway, until beans are tender and sauce is thickened.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven, let sit 10 minutes before serving as a hearty side or main dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Kansas City Style Baked Beans with Molasses take to make?

Total time is about 205 minutes (15 min prep + 190 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Vegetarian Kansas City Style Baked Beans with Molasses?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep navy beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Kansas City Style Baked Beans with Molasses?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Vegetarian Kansas City Style Baked Beans with Molasses for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Vegetarian Kansas City Style Baked Beans with Molasses vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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