Calico Beans are the epitome of cozy comfort, blending hearty ground beef, crispy bacon bits, and a trio of creamy beans in a sweet-tangy sauce that dances on your tongue. Imagine the scent of caramelized onions and brown sugar mingling with bright apple cider vinegar, smooth mustard, and rich ketchup as it bubbles away in your kitchen. Each spoonful delivers layers of savory goodness, flecked with green onion’s fresh pop. This one-dish wonder is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave a homey hug from your oven. Dive in and let this casserole steal the show tonight!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Calico Beans
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for family gatherings.
- Sweet and tangy flavor profile that everyone will adore.
- Easy to prepare, making it a go-to weeknight meal.
- Loaded with protein and fiber from the beans and beef.
- Customizable with your favorite beans or spices!
Calico Beans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Cook the bacon in the same skillet until crispy. Remove it, chop it into small pieces, and set aside.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the rendered bacon fat. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked beef, bacon, and onions to a 9×13 baking dish. Stir in brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and ketchup until well combined.
- Add the butter beans, kidney beans, and pork and beans to the dish. Gently mix everything together, ensuring all the beans are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 1 hour or until the sauce is thickened and bubbling around the edges.
- Serve hot and garnish with sliced green onion if desired. Enjoy your delicious Calico Beans!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbs | 25g |
Ingredients
Get ready to make a delicious batch of Calico Beans with these simple ingredients!
- 1 pound ground beef – flavorful protein base
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon – adds a savory smoky flavor
- 1 medium white onion – diced for sweetness and depth
- ½ cup brown sugar – brings a touch of sweetness
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar – adds tanginess
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard – for a hint of zest
- 1 teaspoon salt – to enhance flavors
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – for a slight kick
- ½ cup ketchup – a rich, tomatoey base
- 15 oz can butter beans – creamy texture
- 15 oz can kidney beans – hearty addition
- 30 oz can baked beans – with juices for extra flavor
- Optional garnish: sliced green onion – fresh finish
How to Make Calico Beans
Get ready to enjoy a delightful dish of Calico Beans! This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to cook, making it a perfect choice for a cozy gathering.
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Step 2: Brown Ground Beef
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 3: Cook Bacon
Cook the bacon in the same skillet until crispy. Remove it, chop it into small pieces, and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Onion
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the rendered bacon fat. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Transfer the cooked beef, bacon, and onions to a 9×13 baking dish. Stir in brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and ketchup until well combined.
Step 6: Add Beans
Add the butter beans, kidney beans, and pork and beans to the dish. Gently mix everything together, ensuring all the beans are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 1 hour or until the sauce is thickened and bubbling around the edges.
Step 8: Serve
Serve hot and garnish with sliced green onion if desired. Enjoy your delicious Calico Beans!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Dish |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 60 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 75 minutes |
| Dietary | Not specified |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Hot |
Pro Tips for Making Calico Beans
- For a smoky flavor, try using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking to thicken the sauce.
- Experiment with different beans for varied textures and flavors.
- Serve with cornbread for a comforting meal.
- Top with shredded cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness.
How to Serve this Calico Beans
- Serve with cornbread for a comforting meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced plate.
- Top with shredded cheese for extra flavor.
- Enjoy with tortilla chips for a fun twist.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store Calico Beans for later enjoyment:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the beans to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Calico Beans
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Calico Beans
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- For microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Ensure it’s heated through before serving.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Are calico beans and cowboy beans the same thing?
Calico beans and cowboy beans are similar but not exactly the same. Both dishes typically feature a mix of beans and a savory sauce, but calico beans often include ground beef and bacon, while cowboy beans may have different ingredients and flavor profiles. They are both hearty and delicious, making them popular choices for gatherings and potlucks!
2. Why are they called calico beans?
The name ‘calico beans’ comes from the colorful mix of beans used in the dish, resembling the patchwork pattern of calico fabric. This dish often combines various types of beans, which not only adds visual appeal but also a delightful variety of flavors and textures. It’s a fun and hearty meal that brings people together!
3. Are calico beans healthy?
Calico beans can be a healthy option, especially when made with lean ground beef and plenty of beans, which are a great source of protein and fiber. However, the addition of ingredients like brown sugar and bacon can increase the calorie and fat content. To make it healthier, consider using turkey instead of beef and reducing the sugar. Enjoying it in moderation can also be part of a balanced diet!
4. What do you put in calico beans?
Calico beans typically include a mix of ground beef, bacon, onions, and a variety of beans such as butter beans, kidney beans, and pork and beans. The dish is flavored with ingredients like brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, ketchup, and seasonings. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste!
Final Thoughts
Calico Beans is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table! With its hearty blend of flavors and simple preparation, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. So gather your loved ones, whip up this easy casserole, and enjoy the deliciousness together. Trust me, every bite will remind you of home!