Calico Beans is a hearty, savory dish made with a colorful medley of beans, ground beef, and bacon, all simmered together in a sweet and tangy sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for potlucks, picnics, or family dinners, with layers of flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Calico Beans offers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in one satisfying, protein-packed dish. The combination of different beans provides a variety of textures, while the ground beef and crispy bacon add richness and depth. It’s incredibly easy to make, customizable, and ideal for feeding a crowd. Whether served as a main course or a side, this comforting, homestyle favorite never fails to impress at gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can lima beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pork and beans (do not drain)
- 1 (15 oz) can butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, reserving the bacon grease in the pan.
- Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Return the cooked bacon to the pan. Add the kidney beans, lima beans, pork and beans, and butter beans.
- Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar until everything is well combined.
- Simmer over low heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories per serving: 380 kcal
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and beef, and add more beans or plant-based crumbles.
- Slow Cooker: Combine all cooked ingredients in a slow cooker and heat on low for 4–6 hours.
- Baked Version: Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes for a thicker consistency.
- Smoky Twist: Use smoked paprika or smoked sausage instead of bacon for a deeper flavor.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This dish also freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make Calico Beans ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors improve over time. Make a day ahead and reheat when ready to serve.
What type of beans can I substitute?
You can substitute pinto beans, navy beans, or garbanzo beans based on preference or availability.
Can I use canned baked beans instead of pork and beans?
Yes, but adjust the sugar and ketchup slightly, as baked beans may be sweeter.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes very well. Cool completely before freezing in portions.
Can I make this dish without bacon?
Yes, though bacon adds a smoky richness, you can omit it or use turkey bacon.
What goes well with Calico Beans?
Serve with cornbread, rice, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a full meal.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer uncovered longer or add a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken.
Can I bake this in the oven?
Yes, bake in a covered casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes for a more developed flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your ketchup, mustard, and canned beans are gluten-free, the recipe is suitable for gluten-free diets.
Conclusion
Calico Beans is a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. With its mix of meats, beans, and sweet-tangy sauce, it brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. Ideal for potlucks, holidays, or simple weeknight dinners, this recipe is a must-have in your collection of homestyle favorites. Serve it warm and watch it disappear from the table.
PrintCalico Beans
Calico Beans is a hearty, sweet and tangy dish featuring a colorful mix of beans, ground beef, and bacon simmered in a rich sauce—perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or comfort food cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can lima beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pork and beans (do not drain)
- 1 (15 oz) can butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving grease in the pan.
- Add ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess fat.
- Return cooked bacon to the pot. Add all the beans (drained except for pork and beans).
- Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well.
- Simmer over low heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and flavors combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use a mix of canned beans for color and texture variety.
- Can be made ahead and reheated—flavors deepen overnight.
- Try ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Serve with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg