Can I use different types of beans for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the traditional calico look comes from using different colored beans, you can substitute with what you have on hand. Kidney beans, black beans, or even garbanzo beans would work well. Just remember to drain and rinse any beans that aren't specifically baked beans in sauce.

How can I make this recipe less sweet?

Reduce the brown sugar by half and use regular baked beans rather than the sweet variety. You can also increase the vinegar slightly for more tanginess to balance the sweetness.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat, onions, and garlic first, then combine all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This method is perfect for potlucks or when you need to free up oven space.

Why are they called "Calico" beans?

The name comes from the multicolored appearance of the different beans used in the recipe, resembling a calico cat or calico fabric with its varied colors and patterns. The combination of light northern beans, reddish-brown pinto beans, and dark baked beans creates this beautiful "calico" effect.

Calico Baked Beans Recipe

Description

Calico Baked Beans is a hearty, flavorful dish made with a medley of beans, ground beef, bacon, and a sweet and tangy sauce. This classic comfort food is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings. With a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor, it’s an ideal side dish to complement your main course.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Meats

1/2–1 pound ground beef (depending on how meaty you want it)
1/2 pound bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled

Vegetables

1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic

Beans

3 (16 ounce) cans baked beans in sauce (do not drain)
2 (16 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (16 ounce) can northern beans, drained and rinsed

Sauce & Seasoning

1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
2 teaspoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder

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Instructions

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is cooked through and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
Add the Bacon: While the beef is cooking, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain it on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces and set aside.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or the baking dish, add cooked ground beef mixture, crumbled bacon, baked beans (with sauce), pinto beans, and northern beans. Stir gently to combine.
Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar, salt, and dry mustard powder until well blended.
Combine Sauce with Beans: Pour the sauce mixture into the bean and meat mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated and mixed.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 55 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and hot, and the top is nicely caramelized.
Serve: Allow the calico baked beans to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy hot as a side or main dish.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and bacon, and add more beans or use a plant-based meat substitute.
The recipe can be doubled for large crowds or halved for fewer servings.
Leftovers store well in the fridge and taste even better the next day.
You can make this dish ahead; simply reheat before serving.
Try mixing in other bean varieties for color and taste, such as black or kidney beans.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
Calories: 330
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 32mg