Calico Beans Recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings. Everyone enjoys this hearty dish, which is made with ground beef, a variety of beans, and a savory-sweet sauce. This recipe for calico beans is a must-try whether you’re searching for a fast weekday supper or a slow-cooked dish for a special occasion. The greatest calico bean recipe is provided in this post, along with detailed directions, advice, and modifications to fit your preferences.

What is the Calico Beans Recipe?

Cooked with ground beef, bacon, and a rich sauce consisting of mustard, vinegar, and brown sugar, the Calico bean recipe is a delicious blend of many bean varieties. It is a crowd-pleaser because of the harmonious balance of sweet and acidic sensations created by the combination of ingredients. This calico bean dish is really simple to prepare, whether it is baked or slow-cooked.

Ingredients for Calico Beans Recipe

To make the perfect calico bean recipe, you need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

One pound of ground beef

Six bacon slices, cut

One little onion, chopped

One 16-ounce bag of drained kidney beans

One 16-ounce can of drained butterbeans

One 16-oz bag of drained pinto beans

One 16-ounce can of undrained pork and beans

Sauce Ingredients:

Half a cup of brown sugar

Apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup

Half a cup of ketchup

One spoonful of yellow mustard

One teaspoon of salt

Half a teaspoon of black pepper

How to Make the Best Calico Beans Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Meat

Cook the diced bacon in a big pan over medium heat until it’s crispy. Take out and put aside. Cook the diced onion and ground beef in the same pan until the onion is tender and the meat is browned. Empty the extra grease.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add all the beans to a large mixing bowl along with the cooked bacon, meat, and onion combination. Mix well to ensure equitable distribution.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Whisk together the mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. After adding the sauce, toss the bean mixture until it is evenly covered.

Step 4: Bake or Slow Cook

Oven Method:

Set the oven’s temperature to 350°F. Spoon the bean mixture into a baking dish and bake, uncovered, for one hour.

Slow Cooker Method:

After moving the mixture to a slow cooker, simmer it for four to six hours on low heat.

Tips for the Perfect Recipe for Calico Beans

For the greatest flavor, use fresh ingredients.

Change the quantities of vinegar and brown sugar to adjust the sweetness and tanginess.

To alter the flavor and texture, experiment with various beans.

Replace the beef with bell peppers or mushrooms to make it vegetarian.

Variations of Calico Bean Recipe

Spicy Version

For more spiciness, add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder.

Smoky Flavor

For a rich, smokey flavor, use smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke.

Healthier Alternative

Use lean ground turkey instead of beef and swap out the bacon with turkey bacon.

Serving Suggestions

The recipe for calico beans goes nicely with:

Dinner rolls or cornbread

Rice that has been steam-cooked

Vegetables grilled

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Prepare This Calico Bean Recipe in Advance?

Indeed! Before baking or slow cooking, prepare and chill for up to 24 hours.

How much time does it take to prepare calico beans?

Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to five days in an airtight container.

Is This Calico Bean Recipe Freezable?

You may freeze parts of it for up to three months. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Try this recipe for calico beans today and have a cozy lunch with your family! Calico beans are a simple, tasty, and adaptable dish that comes in a variety of forms and can be baked or slow-cooked to provide rich tastes and a pleasant supper.