Calico Beans Casserole
Calico Beans Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring a blend of beans, ground beef, and savory seasonings. Its rich tomato-based sauce and sweet hints make it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, offering a comforting, satisfying meal with a mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef
- 2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 c. catsup ⓘ
- chopped bell pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 1 can green beans ⓘ
- 1 can wax beans ⓘ
- 1 can lima beans ⓘ
- 1 can chili hot beans ⓘ
- 1 can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1/2 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown and drain the ground beef.
- Saute the chopped onion and chopped celery.
- Add chopped bell pepper (optional).
- Add the can of tomato soup, can of tomato paste, and catsup.
- Stir and simmer the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add drained green beans, wax beans, lima beans, and remaining ingredients.
- Mix everything thoroughly and bake uncovered for 1 hour at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a lighter option. If you want a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also substitute the canned beans with your favorite varieties or use dried beans that have been soaked and cooked. This dish can be made ahead and frozen for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions
Calico Beans Casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or cornbread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside coleslaw for a nice crunch. For a fun twist, try topping it with shredded cheese or sour cream just before serving. This hearty dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, much like the classic Meal In A Pot.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and heat at 350°F until warmed through. This makes for a quick lunch or dinner option on busy days.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Beans Casserole contains roughly 319 calories, with 5g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use fresh beans instead of canned for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh beans, but you'll need to cook them first. Dried beans should be soaked overnight and cooked until tender before adding them to the casserole. This will enhance the texture and flavor of the dish, making it even more delicious.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a combination of lentils and chopped mushrooms for a hearty texture. You can also use vegetable broth instead of canned beans and add more vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added nutrition.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake it, remove it from the fridge and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
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).