Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Calico Beans Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 15 reviews

Calico Beans is a hearty and flavorful baked bean casserole that combines bacon, ground beef, multiple types of beans, and a sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect as a comforting side dish for barbecues or family dinners, this recipe can be made using various cooking methods including baking, slow cooking, stovetop simmering, or smoking for added depth of flavor.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Meats

  • ½ pound bacon
  • 1 pound lean ground beef

Vegetables

  • 1 red onion, diced

Beans

  • 1 can pork and beans, with liquid
  • 1 can butter/lima beans, drained
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can black beans, drained

Sauces & Condiments

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dry ground mustard
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional, do not use if pellet smoking or smoking beans)

Instructions

  1. Cook Bacon: Cut bacon into 1-inch pieces. Cook in a large skillet over medium heat until lightly crisp. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
  2. Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In the same skillet, add the lean ground beef and diced red onion. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, stirring occasionally.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked bacon, browned ground beef and onions, pork and beans with liquid, drained butter/lima beans, kidney beans, and black beans. Add the brown sugar, ketchup, white vinegar, dry ground mustard, and liquid smoke (omit if pellet smoking). Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  4. Select Cooking Method: You can choose one of the following options to finish cooking the Calico Beans:
  5. Baking Method: Transfer the bean mixture to a large casserole dish or a 13x9-inch pan. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
  6. Slow Cooker Method: Place the bean mixture into a slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 1 to 2 hours until heated through and flavors meld.
  7. Stovetop Simmer Method: After cooking bacon, ground beef, and onion, combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven or large pot. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Smoking Method: Do not add liquid smoke if choosing this method. Transfer the bean mixture to a grill-safe pan and smoke uncovered at 250°F (121°C) for about 3 hours to develop a smoky flavor.

Notes

  • You may omit liquid smoke if you prefer or if using the smoking method, as the smoke flavor will come from the smoker.
  • Drain the lima, kidney, and black beans to prevent the dish from becoming too watery, but keep the pork and beans with liquid for added sauce.
  • Adjust the baking or cooking times slightly depending on your equipment and desired bean texture.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated, as the flavors intensify after resting.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/calico-beans-recipe/