Calico Beans
Calico beans are an elevated, meaty version of baked beans. Three types of beans bake with savory ground beef and smoky bacon in a sweet and tangy sauce for the ultimate barbecue side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion
- 1 can pork and beans
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can butter beans
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 4 bacon strips
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Break the meat into crumbles and cook until the meat is no longer pink, five to seven minutes. Drain the beef of excess fat or moisture.
- 2
Add the pork and beans, kidney beans, butter beans, brown sugar, ketchup, bacon, cider vinegar, mustard and salt to the skillet. Stir to combine, then transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart cast-iron pan or baking dish. Editor’s Tip: This recipe calls for 1/2 cup brown sugar, which some readers find too sweet. To prevent overly sweet beans, start with 1/4 cup brown sugar and then taste the dish to see if it needs more sugar.
- 3
Bake, uncovered, for 45 to 60 minutes. Editor’s Tip: The longer you bake the beans, the thicker the sauce will be. Check the beans after 45 minutes and, if needed, continue baking until they reach your desired consistency.