Calico Beans Recipe – A Hearty and Flavorful Family Favorite
If you’re looking for a comfort food dish that’s sweet, savory, smoky, and absolutely satisfying, this calico beans recipe is a must-try. Known for its colorful blend of beans (just like a calico cat’s patchy coat), this dish brings together the richness of ground beef, crispy bacon, and a medley of beans in a sweet and tangy sauce.
Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, BBQs, and weeknight dinners, calico beans can be made in the oven, slow cooker, or even on the stovetop. This recipe is easy to customize, hearty enough to be a main course, and also works perfectly as a side dish.
What Are Calico Beans?
Calico beans get their name from the variety of beans used — each type contributing its own color, texture, and flavor. Commonly, this recipe features kidney beans, butter beans, and baked beans, but you can mix in pinto beans, black beans, or navy beans depending on what you have on hand.
The base typically includes ground beef and bacon, which add depth and smokiness, along with a sauce made from brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard for a perfect sweet-tangy balance.
Why You’ll Love This Calico Beans Recipe
- Versatile – Serve as a main dish or a hearty side.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone from kids to adults will love the flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.
- Customizable – Swap beans, adjust sweetness, or add spice to suit your taste.
- Great for Any Season – Warm and cozy in winter, but equally perfect for summer cookouts.
Ingredients for Calico Beans Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic dish:
Meat & Protein
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 6–8 slices bacon, diced
Beans (drained unless noted)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans
- 1 (15 oz) can butter beans
- 1 (28 oz) can baked beans (with sauce, undrained)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard (or Dijon for a sharper kick)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
- In the same skillet (leave about 1 tbsp bacon fat for flavor), cook ground beef until no longer pink.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl or directly in your baking dish, combine ground beef mixture, bacon, all beans, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated in sauce.
4. Bake
- Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, uncovered, until bubbly and heated through.
Slow Cooker Calico Beans Recipe
If you prefer a hands-off method:
- Cook bacon and ground beef as above.
- Transfer everything to your slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
This method is great for parties since it keeps the beans warm for serving.
Stovetop Calico Beans
Short on time?
- Prepare bacon and beef, add remaining ingredients to the pot, stir well, and simmer on low for 30–40 minutes.
- Keep the lid slightly ajar so the sauce thickens.
Tips for the Best Calico Beans
- Use Quality Bacon – Thick-cut bacon adds more texture and smoky depth.
- Adjust Sweetness – For less sweet beans, reduce brown sugar to 1/2 cup.
- Add Heat – Stir in chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
- Go Meatless – Skip the beef and bacon, and use smoked paprika for flavor.
- Bean Variety – Mix different beans for color and texture.
Variations You’ll Love
- BBQ Calico Beans – Add 1/2 cup BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Tex-Mex Style – Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning.
- Maple Bacon Beans – Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup.
- Vegetarian Calico Beans – Use plant-based crumbles or omit meat entirely.
What to Serve with Calico Beans
Calico beans are so hearty they can be served solo, but they pair beautifully with:
- Cornbread or dinner rolls
- Grilled hot dogs or sausages
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork
- Green salad for a fresh balance
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator – Store cooled beans in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat – Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if sauce thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make calico beans ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors deepen overnight, making them perfect for meal prep or next-day serving.
Q: Do I have to use canned beans?
No, you can use cooked dry beans, but be sure they’re fully softened before adding to the recipe.
Q: How can I make them healthier?
Use lean ground turkey, reduce sugar, and skip bacon for a lighter version.
Final Thoughts on This Calico Beans Recipe
This calico beans recipe is more than just a side dish — it’s a hearty, flavorful crowd-pleaser that fits almost any occasion. With its blend of beans, savory meat, and tangy-sweet sauce, it’s the perfect mix of comfort and nostalgia. Whether you bake it for a potluck, slow-cook it for a BBQ, or simmer it on the stovetop for a quick dinner, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
