Calico Beans are a hearty and flavorful dish that combines a variety of beans with ground beef, bacon, and a sweet-tangy sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve something delicious and satisfying. Let’s walk through this easy and tasty recipe step by step.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 (28 oz/800 g) can pork and beans (do not drain)
- 1 (16 oz/450 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (16 oz/450 g) can butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8.5 oz/240 g) can lima beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
- 1/3 cup (65 g) light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
- Cook the ground beef and bacon:
In a large skillet, cook 1 lb (450 g) ground beef and 8 slices of chopped bacon over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning. - Add the onion:
When the meat is about halfway browned, add 1 diced medium yellow onion to the skillet. Continue cooking until the ground beef is fully browned, the bacon is crispy, and the onion is soft and translucent. This should take about 8-10 minutes. - Drain the excess grease:
Once the meat mixture is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
2. Add the Beans and Sauce Ingredients
- Combine the beans:
Add the entire contents of 1 (28 oz/800 g) can of pork and beans (do not drain), 1 (16 oz/450 g) can of drained and rinsed kidney beans, 1 (16 oz/450 g) can of drained and rinsed butter beans, and 1 (8.5 oz/240 g) can of drained and rinsed lima beans to the skillet. Stir to combine with the meat mixture. - Mix in the sauce ingredients:
Stir in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of ketchup, 1/3 cup (65 g) of light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Simmer the Beans
- Simmer the mixture:
Reduce the heat to low and let the calico beans simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. - Season to taste:
After simmering, taste the beans and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
4. Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot:
Serve the calico beans hot, straight from the skillet. For a bit of extra flavor, consider topping with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese or a handful of corn chips. - Pairings:
This dish pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the beans.
Notes
- Zest it up:
For a bit of extra flavor, swap out the ketchup with BBQ sauce, preferably homemade for a deeper, smoky flavor. - Customize the beans:
You can mix and match the beans used in this recipe based on what you have on hand. Any combination of kidney beans, butter beans, lima beans, or even black beans will work well. - Storing leftovers:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power to prevent the beans from exploding.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories per serving: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Dietary Fiber: 7 g
- Sugars: 12 g
- Protein: 20 g
Conclusion
This Calico Beans recipe is a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to please any crowd. The mix of beans, savory meats, and a sweet-tangy sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and hearty. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, these calico beans are a hit at any gathering. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal!
