Calico Baked Beans Recipe

This hearty Calico Baked Beans dish transforms ordinary beans into a mouthwatering meal that’s bursting with savory-sweet flavors. Combining three types of beans with ground beef and bacon creates a protein-packed dish that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a satisfying side for your backyard barbecue. The beauty lies in its simplicity – just mix, bake, and enjoy the compliments!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: Adds hearty texture and savory flavor that makes these beans extra satisfying. You can adjust the amount based on how meaty you prefer your beans.
• Onion: Provides a sweet aromatic base that mellows as it cooks, adding depth to the dish.
• Garlic: A must-have flavor booster that works magic with the beans and meat.
• Bacon: The secret ingredient that adds incredible smokiness and rich flavor. Make sure to cook it until crisp for the best texture contrast.
• Baked Beans: Use the ones with sauce (don’t drain!) as they form the foundation of your flavor profile with their sweet tomato base.
• Pinto Beans: These creamy beans add wonderful texture and absorb the surrounding flavors beautifully.
• Northern Beans: Their mild flavor and slightly firmer texture add another dimension to the bean medley.
• Ketchup: Contributes tangy sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the beans while creating that classic baked bean flavor.
• White Vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
• Dry Mustard Powder: Brings a subtle heat and depth that’s key to authentic baked bean flavor.

Variations

Spicy Calico Beans

Add 1-2 diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper for a dish with kick. You could also stir in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky heat.

Vegetarian Version

Skip the ground beef and bacon, and add an extra can of beans. To maintain that smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.

BBQ Style

Replace the ketchup with your favorite barbecue sauce and add a tablespoon of molasses for deeper flavor.

Maple Bacon

Use maple-flavored bacon and substitute half the brown sugar with real maple syrup for a wonderful fall variation.

How to Make Calico Baked Beans

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s about halfway cooked, add the diced onion and continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Transfer the meat mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the crumbled bacon, all three types of beans (remember to drain and rinse the pinto and northern beans, but keep the sauce in the baked beans), ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar, salt, and dry mustard powder. Stir gently until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Bake

Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large casserole dish. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 55 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top has developed a slight crust.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Let the beans rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These hearty beans pair wonderfully with cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. They’re the perfect side for grilled meats, especially hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, or brisket.

Serving Suggestions

For casual gatherings, serve straight from the baking dish with a big spoon. For more formal occasions, transfer to a nice serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional crispy bacon bits.

Make It a Meal

For a complete meal, serve these beans over rice, with a slice of crusty bread, or even spooned over baked potatoes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two!

Freezing

These beans freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated beans in the microwave, stirring occasionally, or in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water if they seem too thick. For frozen beans, thaw first for best results. You can also reheat in a 325°F oven until bubbling hot.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Calico Baked Beans are more than just a side dish – they’re a celebration of comfort food at its finest. The combination of three bean varieties with savory meat and that perfect sweet-tangy sauce creates something truly special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a summer barbecue or looking for a hearty dish to warm up a chilly evening, these beans deliver every time. Give them a try, and I bet they’ll become a requested favorite in your household too!

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