Calico Beans Or Bernadette'S Beans
Calico Beans, a hearty and flavorful baked bean dish with savory bacon, ground beef, and a sweet-tangy sauce, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the bacon, ground beef, and chopped onions until cooked through.
- Add the baked beans, kidney beans, and butter beans to the sauteed mixture.
- Stir in the brown sugar, ketchup, wet mustard, and vinegar.
- Mix well and simmer together for about 30 to 60 minutes in a crock-pot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a splash of liquid smoke. If you're short on time, you can use canned beans with no added sugar to cut down on prep time. For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon and beef with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of water. This dish can be adjusted to match flavors from other American recipes like Chili(Nebraska Style).
Serving Suggestions
Serve Calico Beans warm, garnished with chopped green onions or shredded cheese for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside Beefwiches for a hearty gathering, making it perfect for barbecues or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through for even heating. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Beans Or Bernadette'S Beans contains roughly 425 calories, with 11g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 8g 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 make this recipe in advance?
Yes, Calico Beans can be made a day ahead of time. In fact, letting the flavors meld overnight in the fridge often enhances the taste. Just reheat on the stove or in a crock-pot before serving. This makes it an ideal dish for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative, or for a vegetarian option, try lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Each option will provide a different flavor and texture, but all will work well in this hearty dish.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the beans?
If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the recipe. Alternatively, you can add more vinegar or mustard to balance the sweetness. Taste as you go to find the perfect level of sweetness that suits your palate.
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).