Dad'S Calico Beans
Hearty and savory baked beans dish combining bacon, ground beef, and a mix of beans, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with a smoky, comforting flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. bacon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup catsup
- 3 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke ⓘ
- 1 (15 to 16 oz.) can red kidney beans, undrained ⓘ
- 2 (15 to 16 oz.) cans pork and beans, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (15 to 16 oz.) can butter beans, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (15 to 16 oz.) can lima beans, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (15 to 16 oz.) can Great Northern white beans, undrained
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crispy, crumble, and set aside.
- Saute onion and celery in bacon drippings until softened.
- Brown ground beef in the same skillet and drain off excess fat.
- Add all the beans (red kidney beans, pork and beans, butter beans, lima beans, Great Northern beans) to the skillet.
- Mix the bacon, onion, celery, ground beef, and all beans in a large casserole dish.
- Combine ketchup, vinegar, dry mustard, and liquid smoke; pour over the mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Serve hot, preferably with cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked bacon or adding chopped bell peppers to the sautéed onion and celery. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of bacon drippings. This recipe is adaptable, so feel free to mix in other beans like black beans or pinto beans for more variety.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is best served hot and pairs beautifully with cornbread for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, serve a simple green salad on the side. You can also enjoy it alongside other American recipes like Bert's Chili or Beef Barbecue For 3 Dozen Rolls for a satisfying spread at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the calico beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave in one-minute intervals, stirring in between, for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Calico Beans contains roughly 376 calories, with 8g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% 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 use different types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for specific beans, you can substitute or add your favorites. Black beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas can work well. Just ensure that you keep the total amount of beans roughly the same for the best texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider stirring in diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce when mixing the ingredients. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your taste for the perfect balance!
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the calico beans a day ahead. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover the dish, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, preheat your oven and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
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).