Baked Calico Beans
Hearty baked bean casserole featuring savory bacon, ground beef, and a sweet-tangy sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute hamburger and chopped onion until browned.
- Add fried bacon pieces and mix with the cooked meat and onions.
- Combine butter beans, pork and beans, red kidney beans, brown sugar, vinegar, and catsup with the meat mixture.
- Transfer everything into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 50 to 60 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the bean mixture. You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option. If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the brown sugar to 3/4 cup. This recipe is quite forgiving, so feel free to experiment with different beans or additional spices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Baked Calico Beans hot from the oven, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with cornbread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside My Grandma'S Corn Casserole for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered casserole dish in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Calico Beans contains roughly 1304 calories, with 11g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 582mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Baked Calico Beans ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance by assembling the ingredients and refrigerating them. Just remember to bake it right before serving for the best texture and flavor. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. One cup of dried beans typically yields about two to three cups cooked. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the beans are tender before adding them to the meat mixture.
What can I substitute for catsup?
If you don't have catsup on hand, you can use barbecue sauce as a substitute for a slightly different flavor. Alternatively, a mixture of tomato paste and a bit of sugar or vinegar can work as well to achieve a similar taste profile in the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).