Calico Baked Beans
Calico Baked Beans is a hearty, flavorful casserole combining bacon, ground beef, and a medley of beans, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice the bacon.
- Fry the bacon until crisp, drain excess fat, and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked bacon, browned beef, chopped onion, tomato ketchup, salt, dry mustard, vinegar, and all the canned beans.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or a pinch of smoked paprika to the bean mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon and hamburger with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also use any variety of canned beans based on your preference or availability. Serve with cornbread for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Calico Baked Beans make a hearty main dish, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Serve alongside coleslaw and cornbread for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with grilled meats, making them an excellent side dish for barbecues. Consider serving them in individual bowls for a more casual dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Baked Beans contains roughly 430 calories, with 24g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1285mg per serving (56% 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 Calico Baked Beans ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What type of beans can I use in this recipe?
You can use any combination of canned beans that you enjoy. While this recipe calls for kidney, pork and beans, lima, and Great Northern beans, feel free to substitute with black beans or pinto beans for a different flavor and texture.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the beans?
If you find the dish too sweet, add a splash more vinegar or a teaspoon of mustard to balance the flavors. Conversely, if you prefer it sweeter, a tablespoon of brown sugar or additional ketchup can enhance the sweetness to your liking.
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).