Travis' Favorite Calico Beans
A hearty baked bean dish featuring savory bacon, ground beef, and a sweet-tangy tomato-based sauce, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry together chopped bacon, ground beef, and chopped onion until browned.
- Remove from heat and drain well.
- In a large baking pot, mix together the kidney beans, pork and beans, yellow eye beans, ketchup, salt, dry mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, and sugar.
- Add the bacon, hamburger, and onion mixture to the bean mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider using smoked bacon for a deeper taste. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want to add more vegetables, diced bell peppers or corn can complement the dish well. Adjust the sugar if you prefer a less sweet profile, and feel free to switch the vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a milder tang.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the calico beans as a hearty main dish, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. They pair wonderfully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving alongside Green Beans A La Peggy for a delightful combination of flavors. This dish is also great for game day gatherings or summer barbecues, providing a filling option for guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. This dish also freezes well; just make sure to cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Travis' Favorite Calico Beans contains roughly 1410 calories, with 25g protein, 215g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2457mg per serving (107% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the calico beans a day in advance. Just follow the instructions up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated thoroughly.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and ground beef, and replace them with sautéed mushrooms and a smoked paprika seasoning for added flavor. You can also add more beans or lentils to increase protein content while keeping it hearty 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).