Get ready to experience a mouthwatering journey through generations of family cooking with this irresistible Calico Beans recipe! Imagine a dish that combines the hearty richness of multiple beans, the smoky crunch of crispy bacon, and a sweet-tangy sauce that will have everyone at your dinner table begging for seconds. This isn't just another bean recipe – it's a culinary treasure passed down through Grandma Martin's kitchen that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular comfort food sensation.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans pork and beans
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
- In the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté the chopped onion until translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed kidney beans, pork and beans, and black beans.
- Add the crumbled bacon and sautéed onions to the bean mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard until well combined.
- Pour the sugar and ketchup mixture over the beans and stir gently to ensure all beans are evenly coated.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the beans are bubbling and the top is slightly caramelized.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips
- • For extra depth of flavor, use thick-cut bacon and save some drippings for sautéing the onions. • Make sure to drain and rinse the beans thoroughly to control the dish's overall saltiness. • Don't rush the baking process – slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and caramelize beautifully. • This dish tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance for potlucks or family gatherings. • For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetarian beans. • Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
