Calico Beans: a Hearty, Crowd-Pleasing Casserole

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a hug in a bowl? this calico beans recipe is just the ticket. it's proper comfort food. honestly, it's like the best baked beans you’ve ever had but with even more going on.

Think sweet, savoury and smoky all in one bite.

Brief Overview

Calico beans , also known as seven bean baked beans , are a classic american casserole. it's a dish perfect for any potluck.

It is super easy to make. prep time is about 20 minutes and it bakes for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

This recipe makes around 8 servings.

Main Benefits

The sweet and savory bean casserole is packed with protein and fiber. each serving offers a good portion of the nutrients.

It's perfect for a family gathering or a casual bbq. what makes this recipe special is the combination of flavors.

It's a lovely way to make beans exciting.

Let's Talk Ingredients

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks. You'll need the usual suspects and a few bits and bobs to make this calico beans with bacon absolutely singing.

First up, is 1 pound of ground beef, although i've used ground sausage before. it works a treat. then you will need some bacon and roughly about ½ pound will do.

I like using streaky bacon, but back bacon works too. chop it up and you're good to go.

Next, you're looking at one medium chopped onion, two minced cloves of garlic and the selection of beans, of course.

You'll want a 16 ounce tin of regular baked beans as a base for the amazing baked bean casserole recipe .

Alright, let's dive into what makes this calico beans recipe so ruddy delicious. It's all about quality ingredients and a few simple tools. Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff already!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!

Let's get down to brass tacks. What do you actually need to make this bean casserole with bacon sing? It's less than you think.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

• Ground Beef (or Sausage): 1 pound (450g) . Look for beef with a decent fat content.
• Bacon: ½ pound (225g) , chopped. Streaky bacon is boss!
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best!
• Baked Beans: 1 (16 ounce/450g) can . Any brand will do, honestly.
• Kidney Beans: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , drained and rinsed.
• Butter Beans: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , drained and rinsed.
• Great Northern Beans: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , drained and rinsed. This rounds out this seven bean baked beans recipe quite nicely
• Ketchup: ½ cup (120ml) .
• Brown Sugar: ¼ cup (60ml) , packed. Light or dark.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
• Yellow Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Honestly, using decent quality bacon and fresh garlic really makes a difference. Don't skimp there!

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Power Ups

Okay, so the base ingredients are solid. But it's the seasoning that takes this sweet and savory bean casserole to the next level.

• Essential Spice Combinations: Ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar. These hit all the right notes.
• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Crispy bacon and sautéed onions. Oh my gosh, the smell!
• Quick Substitution Options: No apple cider vinegar? Use white wine vinegar in a pinch. Don't have Worcestershire sauce? A dash of soy sauce works too. Need some ground beef and baked beans recipes right now? This is for you.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You really don't need any fancy kit for this calico baked beans with hamburger and bacon . Here's the basics.

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning the meat and sautéing the onions.
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish: For baking the whole shebang.

Don't have a dutch oven? no worries. use a large skillet and then transfer everything to the baking dish. if you don't have the correct dish a deep baking tray will do.

If you are planning potluck bean recipes this is perfect.

Cooking Method: Nail Your Calico Beans Recipe

Alright, so you want to know how to make this ace calico beans recipe ? dead simple, honestly. this isn't rocket science, more like a comforting hug in a dish.

Let’s get started. this dish delivers the perfect sweet and savory bean casserole you are looking for.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, let's get organized. chop your bacon. dice that onion. mince the garlic. it will save you loads of time in the long run.

This essential mise en place makes life so much easier, trust me. safety tip : watch those fingers with the knife, yeah? don't want any accidents!

step-by-step Process: Easy Peasy

Here’s how to nail this calico beans recipe :

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . While that's heating up, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Brown 1 pound (450g) ground beef or sausage in a large skillet. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add 1/2 pound (225g) chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Nobody likes soggy bacon!
4. Stir in 1 chopped medium onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Then, add 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook until fragrant (another minute).
5. In a big bowl, combine the meat mixture with 1 (16 ounce/450g) can of baked beans , 1 (15 ounce/425g) can each of drained kidney beans, butter beans, and Great Northern beans . Then add 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup , 1/4 cup (60ml) brown sugar , 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce , 1 tablespoon (15ml) yellow mustard , and 1 teaspoon (5ml) apple cider vinegar . Season with salt and pepper. These Ground Beef And Baked Beans Recipes can be adjusted to taste, so adjust to your liking
6. Pour it all into your greased baking dish.
7. Bake uncovered for 1 hour 30 minutes , until it's bubbly and heated through.
8. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. Boom! Done!

Pro Tips: Little Hacks for a Better Bake

Want to take your 7 bean casserole to the next level? here's a few tricks. first, don't skimp on the bacon.

It's a game changer! second, taste the bean mixture before baking. adjust the brown sugar to your liking. some like it sweeter.

Some don't. finally, don't overbake the beans! keep an eye on it during the last 30 minutes .

A common mistake is not draining the ground beef properly. no one wants greasy beans, do they? if you’re making this ahead of time, just assemble it all and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

You might need to add an extra 15 minutes to the baking time, though. oh my gosh, this calico baked beans with hamburger and bacon version could be on your favourite meal list very soon.

Honestly, this bean casserole with bacon is a crowd pleaser. perfect for a potluck or just a cosy night in.

It’s a belter! i reckon you'll be making this ground beef bean bake recipe again and again. cheers!

Recipe Notes for a Top-Notch Calico Beans Recipe

Alright, so you're ready to tackle this amazing calico beans recipe . brilliant! before you dive in, here are a few extra bits of wisdom to help you nail it.

Honestly, these little tips can make a huge difference.

Serving Suggestions: How to Make it Look and Taste Ace

Okay, let's talk presentation. Nobody wants a beige blob on their plate, right?

For plating, think rustic charm. A nice, deep bowl works a treat. A sprinkle of fresh parsley can add a bit of colour, too. Serve these potluck bean recipes piping hot!

As for sides, think classic barbecue. grilled burgers or hot dogs are a winner. cornbread is always a good shout, too.

It's all about that sweet and savory bean casserole balance! you could even add a dollop of sour cream. lovely.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, you've got leftovers. No worries! These 7 bean casserole stores like a dream.

Once it's cooled, bung it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It'll be good for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy.

Freezing this bad boy is also an option. just portion it out into freezer safe containers and it can last for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to eat, just let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the microwave or oven.

Remember to ensure the beans are heated all the way through ! food safety first, yeah?

Variations: Make it Your Own

Fancy a bit of a twist? I've got you covered.

For a veggie option, just skip the calico beans with bacon and ground beef. throw in some diced peppers, mushrooms, or courgettes instead.

Or why not try seven bean baked beans as the foundation of the recipe?

If you want a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. It'll give it a lovely bit of warmth!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

I ain't no nutritionist, but I can tell you that this bean casserole with bacon is packed with protein and fibre. It's a proper hearty meal!

With roughly 450 calories per serving , you're getting a good dose of energy. but remember, it's also got some sugar and fat, so everything in moderation, yeah? these calico baked beans with hamburger and bacon are meant to be a treat, not a daily staple.

So there you have it! all my little tips and tricks for making the perfect ground beef and baked beans recipes .

Now get in the kitchen and get cooking! you've got this. honestly, you'll be chuffed with the results. enjoy every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are calico beans? They sound a bit like something out of Harry Potter!

Calico beans are a classic American casserole, a hearty mix of different beans (like kidney, butter, and Great Northern), ground beef (or sausage), bacon, and a sweet and tangy sauce.

Think of them as pimped-up baked beans, a bit sweeter and more savory, perfect for a BBQ or a potluck a real crowd pleaser, innit?

Can I make calico beans recipe vegetarian? I'm trying to cut back on meat, you see.

Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and bacon. You can add diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to add some bulk and texture. For a smoky flavor reminiscent of bacon, consider using a vegetarian bacon substitute, readily available at most supermarkets.

It will turn out absolutely smashing, I promise!

How long will calico beans last in the fridge? And can you freeze them? Don't want to waste any of this deliciousness!

Cooked calico beans will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. They also freeze well! Let them cool completely, then transfer them to freezer safe containers or freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave. They'll be just as tasty, I tell you!

I want to adjust this calico beans recipe to be a bit healthier. Any tips?

Of course! You could use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content. Cutting back slightly on the brown sugar will lower the sugar content. Also, rinsing the canned beans thoroughly before adding them helps reduce the sodium. And don't be shy about loading up on more vegetables to boost the nutrients.

A little goes a long way, old chap!

Can I use different types of beans in this calico beans recipe? I've got a cupboard full I need to use up!

Definitely! That's the beauty of calico beans they're super adaptable! Feel free to swap out any of the beans for others you have on hand, such as pinto beans, cannellini beans, or black beans. Just make sure you maintain the overall quantity of beans for the recipe to turn out properly.

It's all about having a bit of a lark in the kitchen, innit?

My calico beans turned out a bit dry. What did I do wrong? Is there any saving them?

Oh dear, that's a bit of a pickle, isn't it? Overbaking is the most likely culprit, as it can dry out the beans. Next time, keep an eye on them during the last 30 minutes of baking and cover the dish with foil if they're getting too dry.

To rescue your current batch, stir in a bit of beef broth or tomato sauce and reheat gently. Good as new!