When it comes to hearty, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dishes, calico beans are hard to beat. This classic dish brings together a medley of beans with savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and a rich, tangy sauce that’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, picnics, and even camping trips. Whether you’re feeding a large group or just looking for an easy-to-make casserole that everyone will love, this calico beans recipe hits all the right notes.
Why Calico Beans Are the Perfect Potluck Dish
Calico beans offer the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, making them a hit at any gathering. The combination of multiple types of beans adds texture and color, while the ground beef and bacon make the dish rich and filling. The sweet and tangy sauce, made from brown sugar, ketchup, and white wine vinegar, ties all the ingredients together. What’s more, this dish can easily be made ahead of time, saving you stress on the day of the event.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe for this crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients for the Best Calico Beans
To make the best calico beans, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each component plays a critical role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup bacon, chopped – The bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the beans and sugar.
- 1 (15-ounce) can pork and beans – These beans are already sweetened, adding a delicious, mild flavor to the dish.
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained – Kidney beans add a hearty texture and a deep, earthy flavor.
- 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans – Known for their creamy texture, butter beans provide a smooth contrast to the other beans.
- 1 (15-ounce) can lima beans, drained – These beans have a slightly starchy texture and add depth to the dish.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – Adds the sweetness that balances the tang from the vinegar and ketchup.
- 1 cup chopped onion – Provides a mild bite and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped celery – Celery adds a crunchy texture and subtle earthiness.
- 1/2 cup ketchup – Brings in the tangy, tomato flavor that marries well with the other ingredients.
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar – The acidity from the vinegar cuts through the richness of the beef and bacon.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder – Adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions to Make Calico Beans
Follow these detailed instructions to prepare your calico beans with ease.
1. Preheat the Oven
Before you start assembling the dish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly once it’s assembled.
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Bacon
In a large, deep skillet, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef and 1/2 cup of chopped bacon over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to break up the ground beef and ensure that both the beef and bacon are browned evenly. The fat from the bacon will render, enhancing the richness of the dish. Once the meat is fully cooked and browned, drain off any excess fat and transfer the beef and bacon mixture to a 4-quart casserole dish.
3. Add the Beans
To the same casserole dish, add the variety of beans that give calico beans their signature texture and flavor:
- 1 (15-ounce) can pork and beans
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans
- 1 (15-ounce) can lima beans, drained
This mix of beans provides a hearty, flavorful base for the dish. The pork and beans add a mild sweetness, while the kidney, butter, and lima beans offer a mix of earthy, creamy, and starchy textures.
4. Mix in the Flavorful Sauce
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 cup of chopped onion, 1/2 cup of chopped celery, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 3 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of mustard powder. Stir until all the ingredients are well-mixed. This sauce is key to balancing the flavors in the dish. The brown sugar brings sweetness, while the vinegar adds tang, and the ketchup gives it that rich tomato flavor with a hint of acidity.
Once the sauce is well-mixed, pour it over the beans and meat in the casserole dish. Stir everything together until the beans, meat, and sauce are fully combined. Make sure the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly.
5. Bake Until Bubbly
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil or a tight-fitting lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the calico beans for 1 hour, or until the dish is hot and bubbly. The long baking time allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Tips for Serving Calico Beans
Calico beans are a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for serving this delicious casserole:
- Serve the beans with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the rich sauce.
- Pair them with grilled meats like burgers, sausages, or ribs at your next BBQ.
- If you’re making calico beans for a potluck or picnic, keep them warm by transporting them in a slow cooker. Simply transfer the beans to the slow cooker after baking and set it to “warm” until you’re ready to serve.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
There are several reasons why this calico beans recipe stands out from the rest. First, the combination of four different types of beans adds a wonderful variety of textures and flavors. The sweet and tangy sauce, made with brown sugar, ketchup, and vinegar, perfectly complements the richness of the ground beef and bacon. The result is a dish that’s not only hearty and filling but also packed with flavor.
