Calico Beans With Turkey
Calico Beans With Turkey offers a hearty, flavorful mix of beans, turkey, and smoky bacon, perfect for family dinners and gatherings that love rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 3/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 package bacon, cut up ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vinegar ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can lima beans, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can baked beans ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brown the ground turkey and bacon in a skillet; pour off excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic; cook until slightly softened.
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl: browned turkey and bacon, onions, garlic, brown sugar, vinegar, dry mustard, catsup, baked beans, lima beans, kidney beans, and salt.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked turkey instead of ground turkey. You can also substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup for a unique twist. If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or chili powder. This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the turkey and bacon and using additional beans or lentils instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Calico Beans with Turkey alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Hamburger Rolls for a hearty sandwich option. For a comforting side, consider classic American recipes like coleslaw or baked potatoes to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Beans With Turkey contains roughly 597 calories, with 38g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (77% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1006mg per serving (44% 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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble everything in the casserole dish and bake it when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together for an even tastier result.
What type of beans can I use?
You can use any variety of beans you enjoy. If you want to mix it up, try black beans, pinto beans, or even white beans. Just ensure you drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content before adding them to the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can brown the turkey and bacon first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows the flavors to develop even further, making it a perfect option for busy days or gatherings.
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).