Description
This Calico Beans recipe is a comforting and hearty dish combining lean ground beef, smoky bacon, and a medley of beans baked in a tangy-sweet sauce. It’s a perfect side or main for family dinners, offering a flavorful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Aromatics
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 ounces bacon (4 slices)
- 2/3 cup diced white onion
Sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (100 grams)
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar (31 grams)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (15 grams)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 grams)
- 1/2 cup ketchup (4 ounces)
Beans
- 15 ounces lima beans (1 can, drained)
- 15.5 ounces kidney beans (1 can, rinsed and drained)
- 28 ounces pork and beans with juice (1 can)
Instructions
- Brown Meat and Aromatics: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, bacon, and diced onion together until the meat is fully browned and the bacon is cooked through. Stir frequently to break up the beef evenly. Drain off any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, white vinegar, mustard, salt, and ketchup until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this sauce aside for later use.
- Combine Beans and Meat: In a large Dutch oven or an oven-safe casserole dish, layer the drained lima beans, rinsed kidney beans, and the entire can of pork and beans with juice. Then add the browned beef and bacon mixture on top.
- Add Sauce and Mix: Pour the prepared sauce over the beans and meat mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly throughout the dish.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 300ºF (about 150ºC) to ensure it is ready for baking.
- Bake the Beans: Cover the casserole with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil if a lid is not available. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through and bubbling around the edges.
- Serve Warm: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and serve the Calico Beans warm as a hearty side or main dish.
- Store Leftovers: Transfer any leftover beans into an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 4 days, allowing for easy reheating and enjoying later.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking to reduce excess liquid.
- Adding a pinch of black pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add extra depth and heat if desired.
- Ensure to drain and rinse the canned beans well to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
- This recipe can be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and bacon and substituting with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor.
- Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
