Calico Beans
Featured in: "The Bright Season"
Brown the ground beef, bacon and onion in a skillet, and drain off the grease. In a smaller bowl, mix the next five ingredients, stirring until the sugars are fully dissolved. Place beef-bacon mixture in a large bowl, then add the sauce and the beans, and mix. Pour into a large greased casserole dish, and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.
*Please note the bean cans are the standard, smaller size, around 15 ounces each. Use the pork and beans as-is, but drain the juice off all the other beans before using.
This hearty, flavorful side comes together in minutes and is easily multiplied to feed a crowd. It’s the perfect pass-around for a potluck, and transports easily for tailgating or other fall outdoor gatherings. At home, serve it as a savory compliment to a simple chicken or beef main dish.
You can bake it in the oven, as described here, or simmer it in a slow-cooker for a few hours. Want to boost the flavor? Use your favorite barbecue sauce instead of ketchup, or add some minced garlic or even a little chopped jalapeno pepper. Serves 10-12.
1 pound of ground beef
¼ pound of bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
½ cup ketchup
1 teaspoon of mustard
1 tablespoon of white vinegar
½ cup sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 cans pork and beans *see note
1 can kidney beans
1 can northern beans
1 can lima beans