Spicy Calico Beans
Spicy Calico Beans blend smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and a sweet-tangy sauce with beans, making it a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute bacon, ground beef, and chopped onion until browned.
- Add remaining ingredients to the skillet.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 300°F for 1.5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you don't have bacon, turkey bacon or smoked sausage can be good substitutes for added flavor. You can also use any canned beans you have on hand, like black beans or pinto beans, to customize the dish further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spicy Calico Beans with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings, and you can easily double the recipe to serve a crowd. For more inspiration, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Spicy Calico Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to keep them from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Calico Beans contains roughly 500 calories, with 21g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2053mg per serving (89% 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 make Spicy Calico Beans vegetarian by omitting the bacon and ground beef. Substitute with crumbled tempeh or a mix of your favorite vegetables for added texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of meat broth if needed, and ensure that the beans you select are vegetarian-friendly.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Conversely, if you like it sweeter, you can add a bit more brown sugar or even a splash of barbecue sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare Spicy Calico Beans a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake straight from the fridge, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. This makes it perfect for busy days or entertaining.
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).