Texas Calico Beans
A hearty, smoky casserole combining bacon, ground beef, beans, and tangy seasonings, perfect for family dinners and gatherings with bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp.
- Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.
- Cook ground beef in a small amount of bacon fat until browned.
- Add chopped onions to the beef and cook until tender.
- Combine beef, onions, ketchup, salt, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar in a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Drain the cans of beans, saving some liquid if the mixture is too dry.
- Mix the beans thoroughly with the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or a pinch of cayenne for some heat. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute turkey bacon for the regular bacon and lean ground turkey for the beef. You can also use any variety of canned beans you have on hand. This dish can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile addition to your American recipes collection.
Serving Suggestions
Texas Calico Beans make a hearty main dish and pair wonderfully with cornbread or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, serve alongside coleslaw or roasted vegetables. These beans also work great as a side for barbecued meats or as part of a potluck spread. Consider serving them with the delicious Meat Loaf Maison for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or reserved bean liquid if needed to prevent drying out. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Calico Beans contains roughly 933 calories, with 10g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1365mg per serving (59% 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 Texas Calico Beans in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead. Simply assemble all the ingredients and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to increase the baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the pork and beans?
If you don't have pork and beans, you can use an additional can of kidney beans or any other white beans like cannellini. You might want to add a bit of extra ketchup or barbecue sauce to compensate for the sweetness typically found in pork and beans.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and ground beef, and replace them with sautéed mushrooms or tempeh for texture. Use vegetable broth for added flavor, and adjust the seasonings to taste. It will still be delicious and satisfying!
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).