Imagine a bowl brimming with warmth and comfort — that’s what Calico Beans bring to your table. This delightful dish combines savory meats with a medley of beans, producing a rich, flavorful experience that’s both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of beef, beans, and bacon delivers a taste that’s nothing short of spectacular.
- Versatile Preparation: Customize it with different beans or add BBQ sauce for extra zing.
- One-Pot Wonder: Easy to prepare and clean up, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
- Family Favorite: Its comforting taste appeals to all ages, making it a sure hit at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The heart of Calico Beans lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each item contributes its unique taste and texture, creating a well-balanced and delicious dish.
- Ground Beef: Provides a hearty foundation with rich, beefy flavors.
- Chopped Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory touch that enhances the overall taste.
- Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Pork and Beans: These add a sweet and savory base, uniting the other flavors.
- Kidney Beans: Offer a meaty texture and earthy notes.
- Butter Beans & Lima Beans: These both provide a creamy contrast that rounds out the dish.
- Ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness that ties the flavors together.
- Light Brown Sugar: Balances the dish with a gentle sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Introduces a slight tanginess, rounding out the deeper flavors.
- Yellow Mustard: Provides a subtle zip that lifts the other flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the delicious components.
Variations
Calico Beans are as adaptable as they are delicious. Feel free to tweak the recipe based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
- Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and beef, and add more varieties of beans or lentils.
- Cheesy Edition: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for a gooey, comfort-filled experience.
- BBQ Infusion: Swap ketchup for your favorite BBQ sauce to deepen the smoky flavors.
How to Make Calico Beans
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Begin by browning the ground beef and chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. As the meats cook and release their delicious fat, add in the finely diced onion. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned, the bacon is crisp, and the onion is soft and translucent. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease for a leaner dish.
Step 2: Combine and Simmer
Incorporate the pork and beans, kidney beans, butter beans, and lima beans into the meat mixture. Stir in the ketchup, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and yellow mustard. Let this blend of flavors simmer over low heat for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Pro Tips for Making Calico Beans
- Protein Perfection: Use a mix of lean and regular ground beef for optimal flavor and texture.
- Bacon Crispness: For extra crispy bacon, cook separately and add it at the end of simmering.
- Flavor Harmony: Let the beans simmer as long as possible; this deepens the integrated flavors.
- Thickening Trick: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some beans lightly with a fork before serving.
How to Serve Calico Beans
Garnishes
Calico Beans shine with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. For a more decadent touch, serve with grated cheddar cheese or crumbled tortilla chips for a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair these beans with a crusty loaf of bread, a simple green salad, or a side of cornbread to complement their rich flavors. These options add balance to the savory-sweet profile of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For visually appealing presentation, serve Calico Beans in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets. This not only adds charm to your dining table but also makes portion control a breeze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Calico Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dish for meal prepping early in the week.
Freezing
To freeze, let the beans cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. They will keep well for up to three months. Make sure to label them with the date for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated beans gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power. If needed, add a splash of water to achieve your preferred consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use canned beans other than those listed?
Absolutely! This dish is quite forgiving and versatile. Feel free to experiment with pinto beans, black beans, or your personal favorites for a unique twist.
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What makes Calico Beans different from regular baked beans?
Calico Beans boast a variety of beans and an infusion of flavors from bacon, minced meat, and a sweet-tangy sauce, whereas traditional baked beans usually focus on a single bean type.
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Can I make Calico Beans vegetarian?
Indeed, you can easily omit the meat and load up on various beans, adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added depth and body.
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Is there a way to reduce the dish’s sugar content?
Yes, consider substituting the light brown sugar with a sugar substitute that you prefer, such as honey or a low-glycemic option like coconut sugar.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s your first time making Calico Beans or they’ve been a staple in your recipe repertoire, this delightful dish never fails to satisfy. Warm, hearty, and so adaptable, they’re bound to become a beloved favorite at your table. Don’t wait—try making Calico Beans, and share the joy with those you love!
Print
Calico Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty and flavorful Calico Beans recipe combines ground beef, bacon, and a variety of beans in a savory sauce, simmered to perfection for a comforting meal. It’s easy to prepare and customizable with optional BBQ sauce or cheese toppings, making it a perfect dish for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Beans
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 (28-ounce) can pork and beans, do not drain
- 1 (16-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (16-ounce) can butter beans
- 1 (8.5-ounce) lima beans
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the meat and bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped bacon until halfway browned, about 5 minutes. Add diced onion and cook until the beef is fully browned, bacon is crispy, and onions are soft, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add beans and sauce: Stir in the pork and beans, kidney beans, butter beans, lima beans, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend flavors.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a bit of zest, substitute ketchup with your favorite barbecue sauce. Homemade barbecue sauce adds extra flavor.
- You can mix and match any of the beans (kidney, butter, lima) based on preference or availability.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese or a handful of corn chips for added texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 294 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 344 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
