Calico Beans a Hearty Onepot Wonder

Recipe Introduction

Ever find yourself craving proper comfort food? Something that reminds you of your childhood? Well, this calico beans recipe is just the ticket.

It's like a warm hug on a plate. Honestly, what could be better?

Hearty Beans, Happy Tummies

Calico baked beans with hamburger and bacon is a classic American dish. A proper one-pot wonder, it's got a mix of beans and a tangy sweet sauce.

This bean casserole with bacon has roots in Southern cooking. It's easy, takes about 2 hours, and serves 6-8 hungry folks.

Why This Calico Beans Recipe Rocks

One of the best things is that beans are packed with fiber, good for your gut. It's proper easy potluck bean recipe that is also a great BBQ side dish bean recipe.

This sweet and savory bean casserole is unique because of its bean medley recipe. It's a guaranteed crowd pleaser, making it a great ground beef and baked beans recipe .

Ready to Get Started?

Think of each bite of this calico beans with bacon as a little piece of heaven. We use a mix of great Northern, kidney, butter, and pork and beans.

First, you will need ground beef, bacon, onion, garlic. Finally, we throw in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.

All these ingredients create our version of seven bean baked beans . Let's get to the ingredients list, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment For Cracking Calico Beans

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks. Here's what you'll need to whip up a batch of this calico beans recipe , perfect for a BBQ side dish bean recipe or a simple one-pot bean recipes dinner.

Honestly, it's dead easy! It’s more straightforward than putting up shelves, that's for sure.

What You'll Need: The Main Players

Right, here's the shopping list.

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef. Quality alert: Go for decent mince, not the watery stuff.
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped. Streaky bacon works a treat! For calico beans with bacon , you can't scrimp on the bacon, can you?
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. About 1 cup or 150g.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1 can (15 ounce/425g) great Northern beans, rinsed and drained.
• 1 can (15 ounce/425g) kidney beans, rinsed and drained.
• 1 can (15 ounce/425g) butter beans, rinsed and drained.
• 1 can (15 ounce/425g) pork and beans, undrained. This is crucial, don't drain it!
• 1 cup (240ml) ketchup.
• ½ cup (120ml) packed brown sugar.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) yellow mustard.
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) salt.
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper.

Now, some folks like to call this a baked bean medley recipe , and they aren't wrong. Plus, with some ground beef, it becomes great ground beef and baked beans recipes .

We are essentially making something like a Seven Bean Baked Beans with a twist!

Seasoning Notes: Adding That Extra Zing

Don’t underestimate your spices! A proper sweet and savory bean casserole needs the right kick. The Worcestershire sauce is essential for that umami depth.

It just elevates this calico baked beans with hamburger and bacon to new levels of yummy.

• Mustard and brown sugar create a tangy sweetness.
• Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne if you fancy some heat.
• No Worcestershire sauce? A splash of soy sauce will do in a pinch.

Essential Kit: Tools Of The Trade

No fancy equipment needed here, thankfully!

• Large skillet or Dutch oven. If you're baking it, a Dutch oven is ideal.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Cutting board and knife.
• Wooden spoon or spatula. Honestly, I have a spatula I got from my grandmother's kitchen, and it's still the best one I've ever used.

That's it! Nothing too complicated. Now you are prepared to make the easy potluck bean recipe .

Cooking Calico Beans: Proper Lush Comfort Food

Oh my gosh, you guys! Let's talk calico beans recipe . It's the sort of dish that just screams "home." It's proper lush, perfect for a chilly evening or a summer BBQ.

Honestly, it’s one of my go-to recipes.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Essential mise en place is key. Chop your onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your spices. This recipe is all about the beans.

Rinse those canned beans, except the pork and beans! I cannot stress this enough. It really does make a difference.

step-by-step: Bean Bliss

Here’s the breakdown for a delicious bean casserole with bacon :

1. Brown 1 pound ground beef and 6 chopped bacon slices in a large skillet. Drain the fat trust me.
2. Add 1 chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute .
3. Stir in all the beans: 1 can each of great Northern, kidney, butter, and 1 can of pork and beans.
4. Add 1 cup ketchup, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
5. Simmer on low for 1 hour , stirring occasionally. Or, bake at 325° F ( 160° C) for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Bean Game

Want to make the best calico baked beans with hamburger and bacon ? Fry the bacon until crispy, not just cooked.

Also, don't be shy with the Worcestershire sauce. It gives it that lovely tang!

Honestly, the seven bean baked beans secret is letting them simmer for ages. The longer, the better. Plus, you can prep this the day before.

The flavours meld together beautifully overnight! And if you're looking for a bbq side dish bean recipe , this is a solid choice.

Common Mistakes: Forgetting to drain the fat. Not rinsing the beans. Being impatient. Trust me, low and slow is the way to go.

This sweet and savory bean casserole is a real winner. Plus, it's an easy potluck bean recipe , and who doesn't love an one-pot bean recipes ? It’s comfort food at its finest.

Grab a spoon and dig in! This dish is a perfect example of ground beef and baked beans recipes , a real crowd pleaser!

Recipe Notes for Perfect Calico Beans

Right then, let's talk calico beans recipe tips. honestly, nailing this bean casserole with bacon is easier than you think. It’s all about the little things. You know?

Serving Like a Pro!

Want to make your sweet and savory bean casserole look amazing? Plate it in a rustic bowl. Think proper farmhouse vibes.

Sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top. Serve with a side of cornbread. A dollop of sour cream never hurts.

Pair it with iced tea or a frosty beer. Perfect for a BBQ. This BBQ side dish bean recipe is always a winner.

Storage Savvy

Got leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container. Into the fridge they go for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is your friend.

Portion it out. Use freezer safe containers. Thaw overnight. Then, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Make sure it's piping hot.

Critical temperature: 165° F ( 74° C) . Job done.

Remix Time!

Fancy a change? Go vegetarian. Skip the bacon and beef. Throw in some diced peppers and courgette. It's still proper tasty.

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chilli flakes. Or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. You can use any combo of beans.

Experiment! Make it your own baked bean medley recipe .

The Good Stuff

Calico beans with bacon are more than just delicious. They are packed with protein and fiber. These keep you feeling full and satisfied.

They also offer essential nutrients. Fibre helps keep your gut happy. Ground beef contains iron. Your nan will tell you it's important for energy.

Remember, moderation is key. Even with delicious food. This ground beef and baked beans recipes is a classic for a reason.

Calico baked beans with hamburger and bacon or seven bean baked beans is proper comfort food. It's perfect for family gatherings.

Or just a cosy night in. This easy potluck bean recipe is always a hit. Have a go. Share the joy of one-pot bean recipes with your loved ones.

You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are calico beans and why are they called that?

Calico beans are a hearty dish featuring a mix of different types of beans, giving it a multi colored appearance, much like calico fabric. Think of it as the patchwork quilt of the bean world!

This recipe combines these beans with savory ground beef, bacon, and a sweet and tangy sauce for a truly comforting meal, perfect for a chilly evening or a summer barbecue.

Can I make this calico beans recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and bacon. Add diced bell peppers, celery, and even a can of diced tomatoes for extra texture and flavor, similar to a veggie packed chili. You'll still get a wonderfully hearty and flavorful dish that's kind to the animals, cheers!

How can I adjust the sweetness of this calico beans recipe?

The sweetness in calico beans comes primarily from the brown sugar and ketchup. If you prefer a less sweet dish, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also opt for a ketchup with less added sugar or even a sugar-free variety, easy peasy!

What's the best way to store leftover calico beans?

Leftover calico beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the beans have cooled down before putting them in the fridge. They also freeze exceptionally well for up to 2-3 months!

When reheating, you might need to add a splash of water or broth if they've thickened too much.

Can I use different kinds of beans in my calico beans recipe?

Definitely! The beauty of calico beans is its flexibility. Feel free to swap out any of the beans for your favorites or whatever you have on hand. Navy beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas would be fantastic additions. Just make sure to use a variety of colors and textures to keep that "calico" look and feel!

Is this calico beans recipe healthy?

Calico beans offer a good source of protein and fiber from the beans themselves. However, it's worth noting that this recipe contains a fair amount of sugar and sodium. To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar and opt for low-sodium canned beans and ketchup.

Serve with a big green salad to balance things out!