Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! The beauty of Calico Beans is their variety. Feel free to substitute black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas based on what you have available. Just maintain the same total quantity of beans, and remember that only the traditional baked beans should remain undrained.

How can I make this recipe less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, cut the brown sugar in half and use plain baked beans rather than ones with added sweet sauce. You can also increase the vinegar slightly (up to 1 tablespoon more) to balance the flavor profile with more tanginess.

Can I make this in a slow cooker instead?

Yes! Brown the meat, onions, and garlic as directed, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The texture will be slightly saucier than the oven version, but equally delicious.

What's the best way to serve these beans for a large crowd?

For serving large groups, keep the beans warm in a slow cooker set on "low" or "warm." Double the recipe and use a 6-quart slow cooker for gatherings of 20+ people. Provide a sturdy serving spoon and consider setting out small bowls rather than plates to minimize spills.

Calico Baked Beans Recipe

Name: Calico Baked Beans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½-1 pound ground beef (depending on how meaty you want it); ½ pound bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled; 1 small onion, diced; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 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; ½ cup ketchup; ¼ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark); 2 teaspoons white vinegar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder

This hearty Calico Baked Beans recipe transforms ordinary baked beans into an extraordinary crowd-pleaser. Combining three types of beans with savory ground beef and bacon, this dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that develop beautifully as they bake. It’s substantial enough to serve as a main dish yet versatile enough to complement any barbecue or potluck spread. Ready in just over an hour with minimal hands-on time, these beans will quickly become your go-to comfort food for family gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of three beans, seasoned ground beef, and smoky bacon creates layers of flavor that keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish actually tastes better when the flavors have time to meld, making it perfect for preparing ahead of busy days or gatherings.
One-Dish Wonder: Substantial enough to serve as a main dish with cornbread, yet perfect as a side for any barbecue or potluck.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and common ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Customizable: Easily adjust the sweetness, heat level, or meatiness to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and transforms this from a side dish to a potential main course. Use lean ground beef to minimize excess fat.
Onion: Provides essential aromatic flavor and slight sweetness. Yellow onions work best, but white or sweet onions are fine substitutes.
Garlic: Adds depth and savory notes that enhance the other flavors.
Bacon: Contributes smoky flavor and delicious texture contrast. Cook until crisp for the best results.
Baked Beans: The foundation of the dish, bringing their own sweet sauce that forms the base flavor profile.
Pinto Beans: Add texture variation and a slightly earthy flavor that balances the sweetness.
Northern Beans: Provide a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the other beans perfectly.
Ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness and helps create that classic baked bean sauce consistency.
Brown Sugar: Enhances the caramelized flavor and balances the acidity from the vinegar and ketchup.
White Vinegar: Provides brightness and cuts through the richness of the meats and sweetness of the sauce.
Salt: Enhances all other flavors in the dish.
Dry Mustard Powder: Adds complexity and a subtle heat that rounds out the flavor profile.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spicy Calico Beans

Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce, a diced jalapeño, or 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Smokier Version

Substitute smoked paprika for the salt or add 1-2 teaspoons of liquid smoke for an enhanced smoky flavor.

Vegetarian Option

Skip the ground beef and bacon, and instead add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms for meaty texture and umami flavor.

BBQ Style

Replace the ketchup with your favorite barbecue sauce for a deeper, smokier taste.

How to Make Calico Baked Beans

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Base

Preheat oven to 350°F. Brown the ground beef in a medium pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until the beef is crumbled and cooked through and onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Combine All Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the baked beans (undrained), drained and rinsed pinto and northern beans, crumbled bacon, ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar, salt, and dry mustard powder. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Transfer and Bake

Pour the bean mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the covered dish at 350°F for about 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the top to thicken slightly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Bacon Crispiness: For the best texture contrast, make sure your bacon is cooked until properly crisp before adding it to the beans.
Bean Draining Strategy: While you should drain and rinse the pinto and northern beans to remove excess sodium, keep the sauce from the baked beans as it contributes significant flavor.
Mixing Technique: Use a gentle folding motion when combining ingredients to keep some beans whole and prevent a mushy texture.
Even Distribution: Make sure the ground beef and bacon are evenly distributed throughout the mixture before baking.
Baking Dish Depth: Use a proper 9×13 dish rather than a more shallow one to allow the beans to cook evenly without drying out.

How to Serve

Main Dish Serving

Serve these hearty beans as a main course with a side of warm cornbread and a crisp green salad.

Barbecue Side

These beans pair wonderfully with smoked meats, grilled chicken, or burgers. They’re substantial enough to satisfy hunger but complementary to classic barbecue flavors.

Potluck Perfect

Their ability to stay warm and delicious makes these beans ideal for potlucks. Transport them in the baking dish covered with foil.

Topping Options

Consider offering toppings like additional crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for guests to customize their servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

Prepare the entire dish up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate unbaked. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from refrigerated.

For even better flavor, mix all ingredients and refrigerate overnight before baking. The flavors meld beautifully with time.

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftover beans to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing

These beans freeze exceptionally well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Leave some room for expansion.

Reheating

Thaw frozen beans overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally, or in a 325°F oven covered with foil until heated through (about 20-30 minutes).

FAQs

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! The beauty of Calico Beans is their variety. Feel free to substitute black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas based on what you have available. Just maintain the same total quantity of beans, and remember that only the traditional baked beans should remain undrained.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, cut the brown sugar in half and use plain baked beans rather than ones with added sweet sauce. You can also increase the vinegar slightly (up to 1 tablespoon more) to balance the flavor profile with more tanginess.
Can I make this in a slow cooker instead?

Yes! Brown the meat, onions, and garlic as directed, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The texture will be slightly saucier than the oven version, but equally delicious.
What’s the best way to serve these beans for a large crowd?

For serving large groups, keep the beans warm in a slow cooker set on “low” or “warm.” Double the recipe and use a 6-quart slow cooker for gatherings of 20+ people. Provide a sturdy serving spoon and consider setting out small bowls rather than plates to minimize spills.

Final Thoughts

These Calico Baked Beans bring together the best of comfort food – hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a substantial dish to feed your family, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The combination of three beans creates beautiful color and texture while the ground beef and bacon turn what could be a simple side into a memorable main dish. Give these beans a try the next time you’re craving something both comforting and special – your taste buds will thank you!