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Calico Beans

Calico beans are a beloved comfort food that combines multiple beans, bacon, and a savory-sweet sauce into one casserole.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 810 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 8 slices bacon chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 can 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 ounces pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 ounces cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener
  • Colander or strainer
  • Oven mitts

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add bacon pieces. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until crispy.
  2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and beginning to caramelize.
  4. While onion cooks, open all four cans of beans, drain, and rinse under cold water.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, mustard powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
  6. Add drained beans to the skillet with onion. Pour sauce mixture over beans and stir to coat evenly.
  7. Pour the bean mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and scatter cooked bacon pieces on top.
  8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake uncovered for 45 minutes until bubbly and edges brown.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve alongside grilled meats, cornbread, or a fresh salad.