Grandma Jane'S Calico Beans
Grandma Jane's Calico Beans is a hearty, flavorful casserole combining beans, bacon, and savory seasonings, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Rich and comforting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the chopped onion in bacon fat until translucent.
- Cook the diced bacon until crispy and drain excess fat.
- Brown the hamburger meat in a skillet.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked onion, bacon, hamburger, pork and beans, lima beans, kidney beans, white sugar, ketchup, salt, brown sugar, dry mustard, and vinegar.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger for a lighter option. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This recipe is also versatile; feel free to mix in other beans or legumes based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Grandma Jane's Calico Beans are perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Serve them alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Nana's Baked Beans for an even heartier spread. For a complete meal, consider adding grilled sausages or hot dogs on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or warm in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Jane'S Calico Beans contains roughly 419 calories, with 7g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1041mg per serving (45% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe by omitting the bacon and hamburger. Instead, use extra beans or add some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for added flavor and texture. You can also use a vegetarian bacon substitute to maintain that smoky flavor.
What can I do if I don't have all the beans listed?
No worries! This recipe is quite flexible. You can substitute any of the beans with others such as black beans or pinto beans. Just make sure to maintain the total volume of beans so the dish remains balanced. A combination of different beans can also add a nice variety of textures.
How do I know when the beans are fully cooked?
After baking for 40 minutes at 350°F, the beans should be bubbly and heated through. You can check by inserting a fork or spoon into the center of the dish; if it's hot and the beans are tender, it's ready to serve. Adjust the baking time if you're using a different dish size.
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).