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
Units
Scale
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
