Calico Beans
Calico Beans is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines a medley of beans with savory meats and a tangy sauce. The smoky undertones from bacon and liquid smoke complement the sweetness of brown sugar and catsup, making it a perfect comfort food for gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 can lima beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 can red beans
- 1 can black-eyed peas ⓘ
- 1 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. chopped bacon ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. catsup
- 1 Tbsp. liquid smoke ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. mustard ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown hamburger and bacon in a skillet.
- Add chopped onion and celery to the skillet and sauté until tender.
- In a separate bowl, mix Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, catsup, liquid smoke, mustard, and vinegar.
- Combine the beans with the meat mixture and the sauce.
- Transfer everything to a casserole dish and bake at 350° for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You can substitute the hamburger with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the meat with tempeh or additional beans. Feel free to mix in other beans like kidney or pinto to customize your dish. This hearty casserole is reminiscent of American recipes like Hamburger Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Calico Beans as a hearty main dish or as a side at barbecues and potlucks. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a fresh green salad. You might also enjoy it alongside other favorites like New Year'S Casserole or a side of coleslaw for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Calico Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in a covered dish or warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the beans in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Beans contains roughly 595 calories, with 7g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (17% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 512mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
* % 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?
While canned beans are convenient, you can use fresh beans if you prefer. Just be sure to soak and cook them beforehand until tender, as fresh beans take longer to prepare. Adjust the cooking time in your casserole accordingly to ensure everything is heated through properly.
What should I serve with Calico Beans?
Calico Beans are versatile and can be served with various sides. Consider pairing them with cornbread, rice, or a simple green salad. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside grilled meats or use as a filling for a burrito. This dish also complements other traditional American recipes like coleslaw.
Can I make Calico Beans in advance?
Absolutely! Calico Beans can be made a day ahead of time. Prepare the dish and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it at the recommended temperature until heated through. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it taste even better the next day.
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).