This calico beans recipe is a hearty and rich side dish that’s packed with flavor. With a mix of bacon, ground beef, three types of beans, and a touch of sweetness, it’s a dish that’s sure to please the whole family!
This recipe has been a family favorite for years because it’s not only delicious but also very easy to make. The brown sugar and ketchup give it a sweet and tangy flavor that’s just so good. And the combination of different beans and meats makes it a super filling dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
If you love this recipe, you should also try my slow cooker baked beans with bacon for a different twist on baked beans. Or, for something a little different, give my bean chowder or easy red beans and rice a try.
This recipe looks like it came from a newspaper that my grandma cut out but then she added her notes. I love that. I love seeing her little adjustments and always use them in my recipes. She was a great cook!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavors: This recipe is a tried and true combination of flavors. It’s a classic for a reason!
- Family Favorite: The sweet and savory combination of the beans, bacon, and ground beef is a hit with the whole family. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations in my family.
- Easy to Make: Despite its amazing flavors, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. Just mix everything together and pop it in the oven.
- Comfort Food: There’s something so comforting about a warm, hearty dish, and this recipe delivers on that front. It’s the perfect comfort food, especially on a cold day.
Key Ingredients
- Thick Cut Bacon: This will add a smoky flavor and a bit of crunch to the dish.
- Ground Beef: It’s going to bring a hearty, meaty flavor to the beans.
- Onion: Diced, it will add a sweet, savory flavor and a bit of texture to the dish.
- Granulated Sugar: This will add a touch of sweetness that balances the overall flavor of the beans.
- Distilled White Vinegar: It will bring a tangy, acidic flavor that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
- Prepared Mustard: This will add a bit of zesty tang and a depth of flavor to the dish.
- Salt: It will enhance the other flavors in the dish and balance the sweetness.
- Ketchup: This will add a rich, tomato flavor and a bit of sweetness to the beans.
- Butter Beans, Kidney Beans, Pork and Beans: These different types of beans will add a variety of textures and flavors to the dish, making it more interesting and delicious.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – You’ll need this to cook the bacon until it’s crispy and to fry the ground beef and onion.
- Large Bowl – This is where you’ll combine the cooked bacon, ground beef, onion, and all the other ingredients before transferring them to the baking dish.
- Baking Dish – We’ll place our calico beans on a baking dish before popping it into the oven. Make sure it’s deep enough to hold all the ingredients.
How to Make Calico Beans
Preparation
Start by preheating your oven to 300˚ F. This will make sure that it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake your calico beans.
Step 1 – Prepare the Bacon and Ground Beef
Cook your bacon until it’s crispy. Once it’s done, let it cool and then chop it into bite-size pieces. Next, fry your ground beef and onion together until the hamburger is fully cooked and the onions are translucent. Once cooked, drain the fat.
Step 2 – Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked bacon, ground beef, onion, and all the remaining ingredients. This includes three different types of canned beans, ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar.
Step 3 – Bake the Calico Beans
Transfer your bean mixture to a baking dish. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake it for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Make sure to stir the beans every 30 minutes. The beans are ready when they reach your desired thickness.
Expert Tip
To give your calico beans a rich, smoky flavor, don’t skip the step of cooking the bacon until it’s crispy. The rendered fat and the crispy bits of bacon will infuse the beans with a delicious, savory flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Different Beans: This recipe calls for butter beans, kidney beans, and pork and beans, but feel free to mix it up with your favorite beans. You can try black beans, pinto beans, or even cannellini beans for a different flavor and texture.
- Add Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a diced jalapeno or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dish. It’s a great way to add a little heat to the sweet and savory flavors of the beans.
- Vegetarian: While this recipe features bacon and ground beef, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetarian ground meat. The flavorful sauce and variety of beans will still make for a delicious dish.
What to Serve With
- For a classic and hearty meal, serve your calico beans recipe with a side of cornbread. The sweetness of the beans pairs perfectly with the savory cornbread, making for a truly satisfying dish.
- If you’re hosting a barbecue or potluck, these beans are a must-have side dish. They go great with coleslaw, potato salad, or any other classic barbecue dish.
- For a simple weeknight dinner, serve these beans with some grilled sausages or roasted chicken. The rich, smoky flavor of the meat is a great match for the sweet and savory beans.
Recipe FAQs
Calico beans are a type of baked beans dish that is made with a variety of beans, ground beef, and bacon. The name “calico” refers to the different colors of the beans, which give the dish a unique, colorful appearance.
The thickness of the beans is directly related to how long you bake them. I prefer a thicker sauce, so I baked mine for 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you prefer less thick, bake for less time. The key is to cook them long and slow so that the flavors have time to combine.
Yes. Cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Take note that the beans will not thicken as much because there will be less evaporation than if you had cooked them in the oven. However, the flavor will be the same!
Yes! We enjoyed these for a few days. I kept the leftovers in the refrigerator and reheated them in the microwave when ready.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: After enjoying this delicious calico beans recipe, you can easily store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Simply place the cooled beans in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dish since the beans freeze well after cooking. However, I’ve found that the beans tend to lose a bit of their structure leaving the look of the beans to be less appetizing.
- Thaw: If you’ve chosen to freeze it, the beans can be thawed in the fridge for 24 hours.
- Reheating: You can reheat your calico beans in the microwave or on the stovetop. Simply warm them until they reach your desired temperature.
More Easy Side Dish Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
- What to Expect: This calico beans recipe yields a hearty side dish that can serve up to 8 people.
- How to Scale: If you’re expecting a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Adjust your cooking time to more time so that you get the desired thickness.
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Calico Beans Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick cut bacon
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1/2 Cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon prepared mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 15 oz butter beans drained
- 15 oz kidney beans drained
- 16 oz pork and beans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300˚ F.
- Cook bacon until crispy. Let cool and chop into bite size pieces.
- Fry ground beef and onion until hamburger is fully cooked and onions are translucent. Drain the fat.
- Combine bacon, ground beef, onion and all remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Transfer to baking dish.
- Bake at 300˚ F for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the beans are your desired thickness, stirring them every 30 minutes. Serve warm.
I’ve made this with black beans and 1/4 cup of liquid smoke
Yum! The liquid smoke would be great in this!
Do you have nutritional information for this recipe?
Hi! Yes. It’s within the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Are you able to see it?
Recipe card hooked my attention immediately, I
wanted to be a part of your family. Your Calico Beans recipe is a family holiday stable in our family also.