Save to Pinterest This calico bean casserole brings together sweet and tangy baked beans, three kinds of colorful beans, smoky bacon, and ground beef all baked until bubbling and hearty. It is pure comfort food the kind my family requests at every get-together and our table never has leftovers after a Sunday potluck.
I first discovered this at a church potluck and the mix of beans surprised me with so much depth. Over the years my kids started asking for it on chilly nights when only something cozy will do.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Gives satisfying flavor and richness choose a lean option to avoid too much grease
- Bacon: Offers a smoky salty boost thick-cut bacon gives the best chew
- Onion and garlic: Form the aromatic backbone pick fresh firm onions
- Kidney beans: Add deep robust texture go for low-sodium if desired
- Pinto beans: Bring a creamy earthy counterpoint rinse and drain thoroughly
- Great Northern or navy beans: Provide a mild buttery bite high-quality canned works just fine
- Canned pork and beans: Lend sweetness and body to the casserole classic Bush's or Heinz are always reliable
- Ketchup: Supplies tangy sweetness opt for one with simple ingredients
- Brown sugar: A touch for balance use light or dark depending on your taste
- Apple cider vinegar: The secret for a hint of acidity that wakes up everything
- Yellow mustard: Brightens the flavor with a gentle sharpness classic ballpark style preferred
- Salt and black pepper: To season keep it simple
Instructions
- Brown the Meats:
- Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat Add chopped bacon and cook for about eight minutes until the fat renders and it starts to get crispy Remove half the bacon and set aside for topping
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the remaining bacon fat add diced onion and sauté over medium-low heat for six minutes until golden and soft Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant
- Add Ground Beef:
- Add ground beef to the onions and cook while breaking up with a wooden spoon Fry until browned and cooked through about eight to ten minutes Drain excess fat well This step gives the casserole's base a deep flavor
- Combine Beans and Sauce:
- Tip the cooked meats onion and garlic into a large mixing bowl Add drained kidney beans pinto beans and Great Northern beans Pour in canned pork and beans along with ketchup brown sugar apple cider vinegar yellow mustard salt and pepper Stir until everything is evenly coated This step marries all the flavors
- Bake to Perfection:
- Preheat oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Spread the mixture into a greased three quart casserole dish Top with reserved crispy bacon Bake uncovered for forty five to fifty minutes until bubbly and caramelized on top Let cool briefly before serving
Save to Pinterest There is nothing more homey than that bacon sizzle in the skillet My favorite moment is plating a big scoop then fighting over the crispiest edges at the family table every time
Storage Tips
Calico bean casserole stores best in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days To freeze let it cool completely first then portion into freezer containers for easy heat and eat lunches Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until hot all the way through
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in ground turkey or meatless crumbles for a lighter version Black beans or butter beans offer fun textural changes You can use maple syrup instead of brown sugar or try honey for a different flavor profile
Serving Suggestions
Serve with cornbread or crusty sourdough on the side For a lighter meal pair with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw Sometimes I spoon leftovers over baked sweet potatoes for a next day lunch that always impresses
Save to Pinterest Try this casserole the next time you need something hearty and crowd-pleasing It will quickly become a family favorite
Common Recipe Questions
- → What types of beans can I use?
A mix of beans such as kidney, pinto, and navy beans works best for texture and color variety.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, diced bell peppers or carrots add flavor and nutrient variety to the casserole base.
- → How long should I bake it?
Bake for 45-60 minutes at 350°F until bubbly and heated throughout.
- → Can it be made ahead?
Prepare in advance, refrigerate, and bake before serving. It also reheats well.
- → Are there vegetarian options?
Skip bacon and ground beef, and substitute with plant-based protein crumbles or extra beans.