Calico Beans

Hearty calico beans with ground beef, bacon, and a mix of beans baked in a smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce. This easy baked bean recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game-day meals, bringing rich flavor and comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon
• 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
• 1½ cups chopped yellow onion
• 28 ounces pork and beans, drained
• 28 ounces pork and beans, with liquid (do not drain)
• 30 ounces kidney beans (two 15-ounce cans), drained
• 15 ounces pinto, lima, white, or black beans, drained
• 1½ cups BBQ sauce
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crisp, turning once halfway through. Transfer cooked bacon to paper towels, let cool, then crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
3. Drain all but a small amount of bacon grease from the pot. Return the pot to heat and add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring to break up the beef, until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is tender. Drain excess grease.
4. Add the drained pork and beans, pork and beans with liquid, kidney beans, and pinto or other beans. Stir in BBQ sauce, brown sugar, cider vinegar, liquid smoke, salt, pepper, and the crumbled bacon.
5. Cover the Dutch oven and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food with a mix of savory bacon, beef, and tender beans.
• Sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors all in one pot.
• Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.

---

Tips

• Use lean ground beef to reduce grease while keeping flavor.
• Slightly undercook the bacon if you plan to crumble it; it will finish cooking in the oven.
• Stir halfway through baking to mix flavors evenly.
• Let beans sit a few minutes after baking to thicken the sauce.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• Meat: Use ground turkey or omit meat for a vegetarian version.
• Beans: Mix different beans like black, navy, or garbanzo for variety.
• BBQ sauce: Try smoky, spicy, or honey-flavored BBQ sauce to change flavor.
• Sugar substitute: Use maple syrup or molasses instead of brown sugar.

---

FAQs

Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer covered on low heat for about 1 hour instead of baking.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the ingredients and refrigerate overnight before baking.

How long does it last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

---

Serving

• Serve hot as a main dish or side.
• Pairs well with cornbread, coleslaw, or baked potatoes.
• Great for potlucks, backyard BBQs, or casual family dinners.

---

Suggestions

• Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals.
• Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
• Top with shredded cheese or crispy fried onions before serving for added richness.

---