Print

Calico Beans Recipe

Calico Beans

Calico beans recipe is a timeless, hearty dish that’s as comforting as it is versatile. Known for their colorful mix of beans, ground meat, and sweet-savory sauce, calico beans are the perfect choice for potlucks, family dinners, or make-ahead meals. The best part of this recipe is its flexibility—you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans

  • 1 can each of:
    • Kidney beans
    • Butter beans
    • Pork and beans

Ground Meat

  • 1 lb of ground beef, turkey, or pork.

Other Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Optional Additions

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground meat. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until softened.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add cooked meat, beans, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and vinegar. Stir well.
  4. Simmer: Cook on low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition