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
Scale
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.
