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

Description

Calico Baked Beans is a comforting, hearty side dish featuring a rich blend of baked beans, pinto beans, northern beans, ground beef, and crispy bacon baked together with a sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a satisfying addition to any meal, this classic recipe is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat

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

Vegetables & Aromatics

- 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 Ingredients

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

Brown the Ground Beef: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium pan over medium heat, begin browning the ground beef.
Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook, stirring often, until the beef is thoroughly browned and crumbled and the onion is translucent. Drain excess fat from the mixture.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked beef and onion mixture, baked beans (undrained), drained pinto beans, drained northern beans, crumbled bacon, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and dry mustard powder. Stir together until well combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the top is slightly caramelized and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving. Enjoy warm.

Notes

You can use more or less ground beef depending on preference.
Substitute turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter dish.
This dish can be prepared ahead; refrigerate before baking and allow extra time in the oven if baking from cold.
Adjust sweetness or tanginess by altering the amount of brown sugar or vinegar.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
Calories: 310
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 33mg