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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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Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Midwest
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 14 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 380kcal
Cost: 12$

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)

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

Instructions 

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

Nutrition

Serving: 250g | Calories: 380kcal (19%) | Carbohydrates: 45g (15%) | Protein: 18g (36%) | Fat: 12g (18%) | Saturated Fat: 4g (25%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 30mg (10%) | Sodium: 720mg (31%) | Potassium: 820mg (23%) | Fiber: 10g (42%) | Sugar: 18g (20%) | Vitamin A: 450IU (9%) | Vitamin C: 8mg (10%) | Calcium: 90mg (9%) | Iron: 3.5mg (19%)