Calico Beans with Beef and Bacon
Add to CollectionThis sweet and savory recipe is loaded with beef, bacon, beans, and a tangy sauce! It's been passed down through four generations in our family! It is usually served as a side dish at large family gatherings but it could easily be the main dish!
Equipment
- Skillet, large
- Mixing bowl, large
- Baking dish, 9x13-inch
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon , cooked crispy
- 1 lb ground beef , browned and drained
- 1 large onion , diced
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 15-oz can pork n beans * do not drain nor rinse
- 1 15-oz can kidney beans , drained and rinsed
- 1 16-oz can navy beans (may substitute lima, butter, or northern beans) , drained and rinsed
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅔ cup brown sugar , or more if you'd like
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp mustard , or 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Cook the bacon first and on its own, in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Do not cook it with the beef or in the oven with the beans. As each slice crisps, remove it with tongs and place it on a paper towel to drain.
- Spoon out all the bacon grease from the pan except for about 2 tablespoons. Add the diced onions and reduce the temperature to medium heat.
- If needed, add a tablespoon or two of water to deglaze all the yummy bacon bits from the base of the skillet.
- Continue to stir and cook until the onions have softened and browned slightly. Transfer the cooked onions to a large mixing bowl.
- Preheat oven to 300° F.
- Add the ground beef to the pan. Season well with salt and pepper. Brown the beef over medium-high heat until it's crumbled and no longer pink. Drain the fat from the skillet. RECIPE NOTE: Be sure to cook the bacon, onions, and ground beef separately to maintain each distinct taste and flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and onion mixture with the cooked bacon. Stir in all the beans and all other ingredients. Combine well and then transfer to a 9x13-inch prepared baking dish.
- Transfer the ground beef to the mixing bowl with the cooked onions. Crumble the crispy bacon over the top or cut each slice into pieces with kitchen shears. Stir in all the beans and all other ingredients. Combine well and then transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to an hour. Keep the dish uncovered to create a yummy crust on top.
Notes
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