If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that bursts with rich, layered flavors, look no further than this Calico Beans (Crock Pot) Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and a medley of beans all simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy meal to enjoy throughout the week, this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in every scoop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create a delightful harmony of taste, texture, and color. Each element plays a crucial role in building the delicious complexity that makes this Calico Beans (Crock Pot) Recipe a true favorite.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty richness and a satisfying meaty texture.
- 1/2 pound bacon (diced): Brings smoky depth and a hint of crispy indulgence.
- Half onion (diced): Offers a subtle sweetness and extra body to the dish.
- 1 15-ounce can pork & beans: Provides a smooth, saucy base and classic bean flavor.
- 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained: Adds vibrant color and a creamy bite.
- 1 15-ounce can butter beans (large, drained): Gives a tender texture and mild nuttiness.
- 1 cup ketchup: Introduces a tangy sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Creates a luscious caramel undertone that complements the smoky elements.
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the savory complexity with a subtle umami kick.
- 1 Tbsp vinegar: Adds a bright acidity to brighten the flavors.
- ½ cup water: Helps everything meld together perfectly during slow cooking.
How to Make Calico Beans (Crock Pot) Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your diced bacon and ground beef, cooking them together until the beef is browned and the bacon is just crispy. This step is crucial not only for flavor but also to render out some of the fat. Once cooked, drain off the excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Combine Everything in the Crock Pot
For the base of your Calico Beans (Crock Pot) Recipe, transfer the browned beef and bacon to your slow cooker. Add the diced onion, the cans of pork & beans, drained kidney beans, and butter beans. Pour in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and water. This beautiful mixture of savory, sweet, and tangy ingredients sets the stage for a deeply flavorful dish.
Step 3: Give It a Good Stir
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly so every bean and meat morsel is coated in that luscious sauce you just created. An even distribution ensures the flavors develop uniformly throughout the slow cooking process.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Now is the time to add salt and freshly ground pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Don’t be shy here—seasoning makes all the difference, bringing out the best qualities of your Calico Beans (Crock Pot) Recipe.
Step 5: Slow Cook for Maximum Flavor
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 4 hours. This low and slow method lets the flavors meld perfectly and the beans soften up beautifully. Be sure to stir once during the cooking to prevent anything from sticking and to redistribute flavors evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cooking time is done, your Calico Beans (Crock Pot) Recipe is ready to be savored. The beans will be tender, the sauce rich and sticky, and your kitchen will smell like pure comfort. It’s time to dish up and delight in every hearty scoop of this classic comfort food.
How to Serve Calico Beans (Crock Pot) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions provides a refreshing touch that contrasts beautifully with the rich beans. A dollop of sour cream can also add creamy tang, elevating the dish to something extra special when served.
Side Dishes
Calico Beans are perfect alongside cornbread, which soaks up all the delicious sauce, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness with refreshing crunch. For a heartier meal, mashed potatoes or simple steamed rice complement the beans wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this comforting classic into a party hit by serving it in mini bread bowls or over a bed of fluffy rice topped with shredded cheese. You can also transform leftovers into a baked bean casserole or even stuffed peppers for a fun twist that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next meal even more delicious. Leftover Calico Beans will keep well for up to 4 days.
Freezing
This Calico Beans (Crock Pot) Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months without losing any flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual servings, just be sure to cover to retain moisture. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much to return it to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in black beans, navy beans, or pinto beans based on what you have on hand or your personal preference. The variety of beans is part of what makes Calico Beans so colorful and flavorful.
Is it necessary to cook the bacon and beef before adding to the crock pot?
Yes, browning the meats first enhances the flavor and texture by developing a caramelized crust and rendering excess fat, which helps keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Can I make this recipe in a regular pot on the stove?
You can, though it will require more attention and frequent stirring. Simmer over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the beans are tender and the flavors meld together nicely.
How spicy is this dish?
This Calico Beans (Crock Pot) Recipe is mild and slightly sweet with smoky notes. You can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños if you want to introduce some heat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble everything in the crock pot insert the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Then, simply start cooking on low the next day for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of beans slow-cooked with bacon, beef, and a touch of sweetness. This Calico Beans (Crock Pot) Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to share. I hope you give it a try soon and make it a staple in your kitchen as it is in mine!
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Calico Beans (Crock Pot) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (6 scoops)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Calico Beans recipe is a hearty and flavorful slow-cooked dish combining ground beef, bacon, three types of beans, and a tangy-sweet sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal, it uses a crock pot to meld savory and sweet flavors into a rich, satisfying stew that’s easy to prepare and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound bacon (diced)
Vegetables
- 1/2 onion (diced)
Beans
- 1 (15 ounces) can pork & beans
- 1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 ounces) can butter beans (large, drained)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the diced bacon and ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too fatty.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked ground beef and bacon to your slow cooker. Add the diced onion, pork & beans, drained kidney beans, drained butter beans, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and water into the slow cooker.
- Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors and ingredients throughout the mixture.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 4 hours. Stir once during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Once cooked, give the beans a final stir and serve hot, enjoying the rich and comforting flavors of the Calico Beans.
Notes
- Drain excess grease after browning the meat to reduce fat content.
- For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon.
- Can be served as a side dish or a main meal with cornbread or rice.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and taste even better the next day.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar to your liking.
