A lot of people fall into the trap of making the same sides day in and day out and, while that doesn’t have to be an issue if you love them, it’s still nice to try something different from time to time. Take these calico beans, for example – they make a really delicious side dish.
And if you want to serve this as a main dish, you can simply add a pound of ground beef and enjoy it that way. The recipe couldn’t be easier. You cook and drain the bacon and then add it to your slow cooker with the remaining ingredients.
Another way to cook calico beans is to bake them for an hour in a 350°F oven, or you could make them in a pot on the stove which will take about half an hour. Feel free to use any kind of beans you happen to prefer.
Why You’ll Love the Recipe:
You’re going to enjoy this richly flavored calico beans recipe which has sweet and savory elements to it. It makes a delicious side dish for steak or grilled chicken if you omit the beef or a cowboy style meal-in-one if you include it.
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How to Serve It:
Enjoy this calico beans recipe hot as a main dish or a side dish.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and warm it back up later if you want.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Variations and Substitutions:
Use any kind of beans you want – great northern beans, pinto beans, butter beans or whatever you have in the cupboard.
Crockpot Calico Beans
Ingredients
- ½ pound diced bacon
- 1 pound ground beef optional
- 15- ounce can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 15- ounce can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 2 x 16-ounce cans pork and beans drained
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 chopped yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon (and ground beef if using) in a large skillet.
- Discard the excess grease.
- Add to the slow cooker along with all the other ingredients except the salt.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Stir, taste and add more salt if needed and then serve hot.
- Enjoy!
