Satisfy Your Cravings with Our Easy Bean Casserole Recipe
Welcome, food lovers! As a vegan chef, my greatest delight is creating meals that not only nourish the body but also warm the soul. Today, I am happy to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: a sweet and savory vegetarian bean casserole that will tickle your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
I believe that food is not just about sustenance but also about creating lasting memories. It’s about sharing traditions, stories, and experiences with our loved ones. That’s why I wanted to create a recipe that not only tastes delicious but also nurtures your body in a wholesome way.
This sweet and savory vegetarian bean casserole combines the richness of black beans with the subtle sweetness of sweet potatoes and the crunch of fresh green beans. It’s a comforting dish that reminds me of family gatherings around the table, laughter, and warmth.
But this recipe is not just soulful; it’s also packed with essential nutrients to keep you feeling energized throughout the day. Black beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, while sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Moreover, this casserole is vegan-friendly and gluten-free, which means that everyone can enjoy it without any guilt or discomfort.
So if you’re looking for a hearty meal that will satisfy your hunger and your soul, then look no further than this vegetarian bean casserole recipe. Join me on this culinary adventure as we explore the ingredients, preparation steps, tips, and variations of this delightful dish. Get ready to indulge in a symphony of flavors and emotions!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sweet and savory vegetarian bean casserole recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking for a protein-packed, yet deliciously wholesome meal. So why should you love this recipe? Let me tell you!
First of all, this dish is chock full of nutritious and flavorful ingredients. Sweet potatoes, black beans, green beans, carrots, onions, and a variety of spices come together to create a flavorful and well-balanced meal that will leave your taste buds singing.
Not only is this recipe packed with flavor and nutrition, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can switch out the types of beans or vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. You can even make it vegan or gluten-free depending on your dietary needs.
And let’s talk about how easy this casserole is to make. With just a few basic ingredients and steps, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to go in no time. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep or making ahead of time for a busy week.
One more thing – this casserole makes fantastic leftovers! The flavors just get better the next day as all the ingredients have more time to meld together.
So if you’re looking for a satisfying yet nourishing meal that’s easy to make and tastes amazing – look no further than this sweet and savory vegetarian bean casserole recipe. Trust me, your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the list of ingredients you’ll need to make this sweet and savory vegetarian bean casserole recipe come to life. The ingredients are divided into three parts: for the bean layer, for the potato layer, and for the topping. Be sure to take note of these ahead of time so that you’ll have everything ready and within reach come cooking time.
For the Bean Layer:
- 2 cups of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp mustard powder
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
For the Potato Layer:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup sour cream (vegan or dairy-free options available)
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get cooking with my Sweet and Savory Vegetarian Bean Casserole Recipe! This dish is sure to become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion thanks to its delicious and comforting flavors. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
To make this tasty casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 apple, peeled and chopped
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 2 cups of fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon of mustard powder
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step One: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step Two: In a large skillet or dutch oven over medium heat pour the olive oil.
Step Three: Add the onion and carrots to the skillet and sauté for about five minutes until they’re soft.
Step Four: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Step Five: Add sweet potato cubes to the skillet and cook them for three minutes.
Step Six: Mix in the chopped apple, red pepper, green pepper, green beans, black beans.
Step Seven: In a bowl, whisk together vegetable broth, tomato paste, dark brown sugar,cumin,dried oregano,mustard powder,and apple cider vinegar.
Step Eight: Pour the mixture over the veggies in the skillet.
Step Nine: Use a large spoon to mix everything in. Then cover the skillet with a lid or foil.
Step Ten: Bake your casserole for about an houruntil bubbling.
Serving Suggestions:
This Sweet and Savory Vegetarian Bean Casserole Recipe is delicious as a standalone dish, but it also pairs well with some cooked rice or quinoa on top. You can also garnish it with sour cream or crispy onions if desired.
So there you have it! A delicious Sweet and Savory Vegetarian Bean Casserole Recipe that is perfect for any mealtime or celebration. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
From time to time, we may not have all the ingredients needed in our pantry. In such cases, it’s always handy to know which substitutes can be used.
For this sweet and savory vegetarian bean casserole recipe, there are many adaptable ingredients that you can use according to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
Instead of black beans, you can try white beans, chickpeas or red kidney beans. If you’re a fan of green beans, you could use them as a substitute for kale. If you are not fond of spicy food, it’s fine to skip the chipotle powder or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.
Similarly, if you want to make this recipe vegan-friendly, just swap out the sour cream reserved for garnish with non-dairy sour cream or Greek yogurt. Vegetable broth can be substituted instead of chicken broth if you prefer. Brown sugar and dark corn syrup can also be interchangeable. If you do not have any apple cider vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with white vinegar. The possibilities are endless.
For variation purposes, add more toppings like crispy onions or fresh scallions for some extra crunchiness and flavor. You could stir in some bell peppers or diced tomatoes for added veggies and color. Spice things up by stirring in some hot sauce or diced jalapeños for that additional kick.
Whether you decide to follow the original recipe strictly or make some of these substitutions and variations, remember that cooking is an adventure and all about experimentation. Don’t be afraid to throw in a few personal touches and see how it turns out — who knows? You might just come up with your own signature dish!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving this sweet and savory vegetarian bean casserole, there are a plethora of options that make for an incredible pairing. Personally, I love using vegan sour cream and scallions as a topping, the tanginess of the sour cream and the freshness of the scallions perfectly complementing the flavors of the casserole.
This dish also goes well with some freshly baked bread or a crisp green salad for a fully rounded meal. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to spice it up a bit, try pairing it with some polenta casserole or even some quinoa.
But let’s not forget about the drinks! A glass of your favorite red wine could work wonders to bring out those beautiful earthy flavors found in this dish. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, consider trying it with a fresh apple cider or even some ice-cold lemonade.
With so many serving and pairing options available, you can be sure to find something that will suit your preferences for any occasion. Whether you’re having an intimate dinner at home or bringing this dish along to a potluck party, this sweet and savory vegetarian bean casserole is sure to impress!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Welcome to the make-ahead, storing and reheating section! As a busy individual, I understand how important it is for a recipe to be practical and convenient. One of the best things about this Sweet and Savory Vegetarian Bean Casserole recipe is that it’s perfect for making ahead of time.
To make things even easier, you can prepare the casserole up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply follow the instructions until step 5, then cover with plastic wrap or a lid and place in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it, remove from the refrigerator and continue with step 6.
If you have any leftovers, rest assured that they will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or microwave them on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes.
If you decide to freeze the casserole instead, make sure to cool it completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as instructed.
Overall, this Sweet and Savory Vegetarian Bean Casserole recipe is an excellent choice if you want something that’s practical yet full of flavor!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know the recipe steps, it’s time to dive into some tips to help you perfect this sweet and savory vegetarian bean casserole recipe.
One of the keys to making this dish is to ensure that your vegetables are cooked to the right texture. The sweet potatoes should be tender but not mushy. To achieve this, try cutting the sweet potatoes into smaller pieces than the other vegetables as they take longer to cook. Keep an eye on them while cooking and remove them from the oven once they’re soft but still firm enough to hold their shape.
Another tip for perfecting this casserole is adding the ingredients in the correct order. The onions and carrots should be cooked first until soft, ensuring they release their natural sweetness. Then add flavorful spices such as cumin, oregano, and mustard powder to give the dish an extra depth of flavor.
When adding the black beans and green beans, ensure they’re strained before adding them into the casserole. This helps prevent excess liquid in your final product.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to add more or less seasoning to suit your taste buds. I recommend tasting as you go along and adjusting as necessary.
Lastly, one crucial tip for getting a crispy topping is making sure that you bake your casserole uncovered at 375°F for about 25 minutes. Afterward, sprinkle crispy onions on top of casseroles before returning it back into the oven for about 5-10 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.
By following these tips, you’ll get perfect results every time you make this sweet and savory vegetarian bean casserole recipe.
Bottom Line
:
My dear vegetarian and vegan friends, it’s time to wrap up our sweet and savory bean casserole journey. As your articulate assistant, I’m honored to have guided you through every step to create this mouthwatering dish.
Let’s remind ourselves why we love this recipe so much – it’s packed with rich flavor, plant-based protein, and wholesome ingredients that are accessible year-round. The combination of black beans, sweet potatoes, green beans, and carrots is simply irresistible.
But this recipe is more than just a delicious meal. It represents our values and commitment to a cruelty-free world. We can make a difference by choosing plant-based options that protect our planet and respect animal welfare.
If you’re looking for substitutions or variations, let your creativity shine. Use whatever ingredients you have on hand, experiment with new flavors, and make it your own masterpiece.
Remember that this casserole is perfect for social gatherings or cozy dinners with your loved ones. Pair it with rice, quinoa, or polenta for an extra explosion of taste!
Pro-tip: you can make ahead and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for busy days when you need a quick fix.
In conclusion, my favorite thing about this recipe is how versatile it is. It suits any occasion, mood or dietary requirement. I hope you enjoyed this cooking experience as much as I did.
Now put your apron away, take a deep breath, savor every bite of your sweet and savory vegetarian bean casserole and bask in the satisfaction of making the best decision for your health, animals, and the planet.
Bon appétit!
Sweet and Savory Vegetarian Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 apple, peeled, cored and grated (I like Granny Smiths)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/4 cups broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- salt and pepper
- 3 cups cooked beans, of your choice
Garnish
- scallion
- sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- *In non-stick pan heat the oil and saute the onions, apples and carrots for 5 minutes until softened.
- Mix together the tomato paste with the stock (or water).
- Add all the other ingredients except for the beans and garnishes to the pan with the onions, apples and carrots.
- Stir well, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the beans and transfer the mixture into an ovenproof casserole. Cover and bake at 350 degrees. for 35-40 minutes. Do not allow to dry out. Add more stock to beans if necessary.
- Garnish with swirls of sour cream and thinly sliced scallions if desired.
- *NOTE: I usually prepare this bean casserole a day in advance; up to the point before baking to allow the ingredients to marry.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.