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A pot of homemade calico beans with kidney beans, navy beans, and bacon in a thick sauce. A wooden spoon stirs the mixture under warm natural light.

Easy Calico Beans Recipe

A hearty, sweet, and tangy Midwest classic, calico beans combine five types of beans with a rich, savory sauce and smoky bacon. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and meal prep, this dish is packed with comforting flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 14 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Midwest
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground beef Lean or regular
  • 6 slices Bacon Chopped
  • 1 medium Onion Diced
  • 1 medium Bell pepper Diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 can 15 oz Pork and beans Undrained
  • 1 can 15 oz Kidney beans Drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 oz Butter beans Drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 oz Lima beans Drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 oz Navy beans Drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup Brown sugar Light or dark
  • ¼ cup Molasses Adds deep sweetness
  • ¼ cup Yellow mustard For tangy balance
  • ½ cup Ketchup Sweet and tomato-rich
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds umami depth
  • 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar Balances sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke Optional for extra smokiness
  • 2 tablespoon Maple syrup Optional but adds depth
  • ¼ cup Brewed coffee Enhances flavor

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven or slow cooker Essential for slow cooking flavors together
  • 1 Heavy skillet For browning ground beef and bacon
  • 1 Wooden spoon For stirring without damaging cookware
  • 1 Cutting board For prepping ingredients
  • 1 Sharp knife For chopping onions and peppers
  • 1 Can opener For opening canned beans
  • 1 Measuring cups For accurate ingredient portions
  • 1 Mixing bowl For blending sauce

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, breaking it into crumbles.
  2. Cook chopped bacon in the same skillet until crispy. Drain excess grease.
  3. Sauté onions and bell pepper in the skillet until soft.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  5. In a large slow cooker or Dutch oven, combine all five types of beans (some drained, some with liquid).
  6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, molasses, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, liquid smoke, maple syrup, and coffee.
  7. Pour the sauce over the beans and mix gently.
  8. Add the cooked beef, bacon, and sautéed veggies. Stir to combine.
  9. Cook on low in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours or bake in a Dutch oven at 325°F for 2-3 hours.
  10. Stir before serving, adjust seasoning if needed, and enjoy!