Calico Beans 3 Recipe

Alright, friends, let’s dive into this flavor-packed journey called Calico Beans—imagine a dish so hearty and comforting, it’s like a cozy hug on a rainy day! 🌧️💓 Grab your apron, because we’re about to take some humble ingredients and transform them into a warm, savory medley that will make your kitchen the happiest place on earth.

Calico Beans 3 is a dish I love to make, full of protein and flavor. It combines savory ground beef, bacon, and a medley of beans to create something that’s not only thrilling to eat but also kind of good for you.

The beans are full of fiber and other essential nutrients, and the stunning trio of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard makes it a family favorite.

Calico Beans 3 Recipe Ingredients

• Bacon: Adds savory flavor; high in protein and fat; smoky.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the dish; adds caramel notes; increases carbohydrates.
• Ketchup: Provides tangy sweetness; contains tomatoes and vinegar.
• Vinegar: Balances flavors; adds acidity to enhance taste.
• Kidney Beans: Rich in fiber and protein; adds texture; nutritious.

Calico Beans 3 Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound bacon, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 can (16 ounces) pork and beans, undrained
• 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (16 ounces) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make this Calico Beans 3 Recipe

1. In a large frying pan, brown the hamburger over medium heat. Pour off any fat, and set it aside.

2. Fry the diced bacon in the same skillet until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels, but leave a small amount of bacon grease in the skillet.

3. Place the chopped onion in the skillet and stir-fry until it attains the desired softness and translucency.

4. In a sizeable bowl, mix together the ground beef that has been browned, the bacon that has been made crispy, and the onion that has been sautéed.

5. Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and vinegar, mixing them thoroughly.

6. Place the pork and beans, kidney beans, and butter beans into the bowl. Stir until all ingredients are perfectly mixed.

7. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and allow it to heat up.

8. Pour the mixture of beans into a large baking dish or casserole dish.

9. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake in the oven that has been set at that temperature for 45 minutes. At the end of that time interval, the mixture should be sufficiently heated and bubbling to indicate that it’s done.

10. Taste the hearty Calico Beans before you serve them. If they need it, season them with salt and pepper.

Calico Beans 3 Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large frying pan
2. Large skillet
3. Medium mixing bowl
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Large baking dish or casserole dish
6. Oven
7. Stove
8. Spoon or spatula for stirring
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
11. Knife for chopping
12. Cutting board
13. Paper towels
14. Can opener

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?Absolutely, ground turkey or chicken can stand in for ground beef, allowing you to tailor your dish to your liking or specific dietary requirements.
• Can I make this dish vegetarian?Of course! Just skip the ground beef and bacon, and replace them with extra beans or a meat substitute such as crumbled tofu or tempeh.
• How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your taste, or experiment with sugar substitutes for a less sweet version.
• Is there a substitute for yellow mustard?If you want a different flavor profile, you can use Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard.
• How do I store leftovers?Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and placed in the fridge. If done correctly, they can last 3-4 days.
• Can I freeze Calico Beans?It is true that this dish does well in the freezer. You can put it in a container safe for the freezer and keep it there for 3 months. To serve it, you must defrost it in the refrigerator, then reheat it.
• What can I serve with Calico Beans?This meal goes excellently with cornbread, rice, or a straightforward green salad as a full meal.

Calico Beans 3 Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For ground beef, substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken.
For bacon, you might use turkey bacon or diced pancetta.
In the absence of ketchup, use tomato sauce with a teaspoon of sugar.
In place of brown sugar, you may use honey or maple syrup.
For yellow mustard, try Dijon mustard for a different flavor that’s slightly more upscale.

Pro Tips

1. Caramelize the Onions: For added depth of flavor, consider caramelizing the onions. This will take a bit longer, but the sweet, rich taste will complement the other ingredients beautifully.

2. Enhance the Bacon Flavor: Use a splash of a smoky ingredient, such as liquid smoke or smoked paprika, to intensify the bacon’s smokiness if desired.

3. Mix of Textures: Before baking, reserve a small portion of the bacon to sprinkle on top of the dish for added texture and a delightful crunch when serving.

4. Deeper Flavor Profile: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the ketchup mixture. This will add a savory umami depth to the beans that enhances the overall flavor.

5. Herb Infusion: Consider adding a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the bean mixture for an aromatic enhancement that pairs well with the hearty ingredients.