If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that everyone will love, then this Calico Beans Recipe is a must-try! Loaded with a delicious combination of beans, bacon, ground beef, and a sweet-savory sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners, BBQs, or potlucks. It’s easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients for Calico Beans Recipe :
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pork and beans, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Directions for Calico Beans Recipe:
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat. Set it aside for later.
Photo: A skillet with sizzling bacon, getting crispy.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, using the bacon drippings, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Stir it occasionally and cook until it’s fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Photo: Ground beef browning in a skillet, with a golden color.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly softened. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Photo: Chopped onions sautéing in a skillet, turning soft and golden.
Step 4: Mix the Beans
In a large mixing bowl, combine the kidney beans, navy beans, pork and beans, and black beans. Don’t drain the pork and beans—keep the sauce in the can. Stir the beans together gently to mix them evenly.
Photo: A mixing bowl with various types of beans, ready to be stirred.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will create a sweet-savory sauce that ties all the flavors of the dish together.
Photo: A small bowl with a thick, glossy sauce made from ketchup, mustard, and sugar.
Step 6: Combine Everything
In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked bacon, browned ground beef, sautéed onions, and mixed beans. Pour the prepared sauce over the top and stir everything together until it’s well coated.
Photo: The casserole dish being filled with the beans, beef, bacon, and sauce mixture.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the top get a little crispy and caramelized.
Photo: The casserole dish baking in the oven, bubbling and golden on top.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the calico beans from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. The flavors will meld together beautifully, and the beans will be tender, with the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Serve them as a side dish with grilled meats, cornbread, or even on their own with a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Photo: A serving of calico beans, beautifully plated and ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Calico Beans Recipe is a perfect base for customizing and experimenting with different flavors. Here are a few fun ideas to make it your own:
1. Add Ground Sausage
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding ground sausage along with or instead of the ground beef. The sausage adds a savory, spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the beans.
2. Try Different Beans
Feel free to switch up the beans in this dish! If you don’t have black beans or kidney beans, use what you have on hand. Pinto beans, garbanzo beans, or even great northern beans can be used in place of the varieties listed here.
3. Spice It Up
If you like a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. The heat balances out the sweetness of the sugar and ketchup, making it an exciting, flavor-packed dish.
4. Add Vegetables
For a little extra nutrition, consider adding some veggies to the mix. Bell peppers, corn, or zucchini would complement the beans and give the dish a fresh, vibrant twist.
What to Serve with Calico Beans
Looking for the perfect sides to pair with your Calico Beans Recipe? Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
1. Cornbread
You can’t go wrong with classic cornbread! Its sweet, crumbly texture is the perfect complement to the savory, smoky flavors of the beans.
2. Grilled Meat
Serve these beans alongside some grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers for a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for a BBQ or family gathering.
3. Coleslaw
For some crunch and freshness, add a side of coleslaw. The tangy, creamy slaw balances out the richness of the beans and bacon.
4. Salad
If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing pairs wonderfully with the hearty beans.
Conclusion
This Calico Beans Recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family meals to special gatherings. The best part? It’s so easy to make and packed with flavor, your whole family will be asking for seconds!
Feel free to experiment with different variations and toppings to make it your own. Whether you keep it classic or try a spicy twist, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.