Making Calico Beans: Delicious Recipe

_{November 5, 2023 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Cooking}

How to make Calico beans? Learn how to make Calico beans with this delicious recipe that combines various beans, ground beef, and a savory sauce for a flavorful dish.

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How to make Calico beans?

Calico beans are a delicious and hearty dish that combines various types of beans, ground beef, bacon, and a sweet and tangy sauce. Here's a classic recipe for making calico beans:

Ingredients:

For the Beans:

1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) butter beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

For the Meat:

1 pound ground beef
6-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

For the Sauce:

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
In the same skillet, add the diced onions and bell peppers to the browned ground beef. Sauté them for a few minutes until they soften.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the drained and rinsed beans (kidney beans, pinto beans, great northern beans, butter beans, and black beans).
Add the cooked and crumbled bacon to the beans.
In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cider vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper. This is your sauce.
Pour the sauce over the beans and bacon, and then add the beef, onions, and peppers mixture. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish or casserole dish.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
After baking, remove the foil, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to let the top become slightly caramelized.
Once the calico beans are bubbling and the top is golden, remove them from the oven.
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade calico beans!

Calico beans are a versatile dish and can be served as a side dish or as a main course. They're perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings due to their delicious and comforting flavors.

Making Calico Beans: A Classic Recipe

Calico beans, also known as cowboy beans, are a hearty and flavorful dish made with a variety of beans, ground beef, bacon, and a savory sauce. They are a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold winter day.

Ingredients and Preparation Steps for Calico Beans

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound bacon, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can lima beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can pork and beans, undrained
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation:

In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the ground beef and bacon over medium heat until the beef is browned and the bacon is crispy. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, until fragrant.
Stir in the kidney beans, pinto beans, lima beans, pork and beans, tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Variations and Additions to Customize Calico Beans

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few diced jalapeños.
For a more smoky flavor, add a few strips of smoked sausage or a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
For a sweeter dish, add a few tablespoons of maple syrup or honey.
For a more veggie-packed dish, add a chopped bell pepper or a cup of frozen corn.

Serving and Enjoying Calico Beans as a Side Dish

Calico beans are a great side dish for a variety of meals, including grilled meats, smoked meats, and hearty stews. They can also be served on their own with a side of cornbread or rolls.

Calico Beans as a Potluck and Crowd-Pleasing Dish

Calico beans are a great dish to bring to a potluck or other gathering. They are easy to make ahead of time and can be rewarmed in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. They are also sure to please a crowd, as they are hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.