Calico Bean Recipe: Perfect for Any Gathering
Calico Bean Recipe
Table of Contents
Calico Bean Recipe:
This calico bean recipe is a delicious, protein packed dish that combines a variety of beans, savory bacon, ground beef, and a sweet and tangy sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners, BBQs, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. The dish gets its “calico” name from the colorful mix of beans, creating a beautiful, vibrant dish that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this calico bean recipe will satisfy your taste buds and leave your guests asking for the recipe!
Description:
Calico beans are a beloved side dish that’s both comforting and hearty, offering a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. This dish features a variety of beans kidney, pinto, and navy beans mixed with ground beef, bacon, onions, and a rich sauce made of ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. The result is a sweet and savory blend of flavors, which makes this recipe a crowd favorite at any event.
Not only is this calico bean recipe delicious, but it’s also very versatile. You can adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness to suit your personal preferences, making it a customizable dish. Additionally, calico beans are packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making it a healthy side dish that everyone can enjoy.
The History Behind Calico Beans
The origins of calico beans can be traced back to midwestern America, where it became a staple at gatherings like potlucks and barbecues. The dish is often made with a variety of beans because the different colors resemble the patches on a calico cat, hence the name “calico beans.” Its simplicity, combined with the blend of savory and sweet flavors, made it an instant favorite in homes across the country.
Whether you’re looking to serve it at your next family reunion, holiday feast, or just as a comfort food during the week, this calico bean recipe will undoubtedly become a go to favorite in your recipe collection. The dish can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and develop, making it a perfect dish for meal prep or large gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Calico Bean Recipe:
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
- Packed with Flavor: A delicious mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes this a crowd pleasing side dish.
- High in Protein: With a variety of beans and ground beef, this dish is a great source of protein, perfect for a balanced meal.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or spice level to fit your taste preferences.
- Make Ahead: This recipe can be made a day in advance and reheated, allowing you to spend less time cooking on the day of your event.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups mixed beans (kidney, pinto, and navy beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside. Leave a small amount of bacon grease in the pan.
Brown the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pan with the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Make the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Combine the Beans and Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed beans, cooked bacon, ground beef mixture, and the sauce. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Bake the Calico Beans: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Final Touches: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the calico beans are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These beans make a great side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a hearty meal.
Notes:
- Bean Variations: Feel free to swap out the beans based on what you have in your pantry. Great options include black beans, great northern beans, or even chickpeas.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, omit the bacon and ground beef, and substitute with plant based crumbles and vegan bacon or smoked tempeh for a similar flavor.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar to taste. For a tangier result, increase the apple cider vinegar.
- Storage: Leftover calico beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This dish can be assembled the day before, stored in the refrigerator, and baked the next day for a no stress, easy meal.
Calico Bean Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups mixed beans kidney, pinto, and navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for a smoky flavor
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside. Leave a small amount of bacon grease in the pan.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pan with the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Beans and Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed beans, cooked bacon, ground beef mixture, and the sauce. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Bake the Calico Beans: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Final Touches: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the calico beans are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These beans make a great side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a hearty meal.
Notes
- Bean Variations: Feel free to swap out the beans based on what you have in your pantry. Great options include black beans, great northern beans, or even chickpeas.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, omit the bacon and ground beef, and substitute with plant based crumbles and vegan bacon or smoked tempeh for a similar flavor.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar to taste. For a tangier result, increase the apple cider vinegar.
- Storage: Leftover calico beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This dish can be assembled the day before, stored in the refrigerator, and baked the next day for a no stress, easy meal.
