How to Make Calico Bean Casserole

Calico bean casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or weeknight dinners. This casserole features a mix of beans, ground beef, bacon, and a sweet and tangy sauce that’s sure to please a crowd. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy cooks. Serve this casserole as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or sandwiches.

Ingredients for Calico Bean Casserole

• 1/2 pound bacon, diced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) pork and beans
• 1 can (15 ounces) lima beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Calico Bean Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Beef

1. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
2. In the same skillet, add the ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard powder. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked bacon, ground beef mixture, beans, and sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Pour the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the sauce has thickened.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
2. Serve the calico bean casserole hot as a main dish or side dish.

About the Main Ingredients

Bacon

Bacon adds a rich and smoky flavor to the casserole. Cooking the bacon until crispy helps to render the fat and enhance its flavor.

Ground Beef

Ground beef is a hearty addition to the casserole, providing protein and a savory flavor. You can use lean ground beef if you prefer a lower-fat option.

Beans

The mix of kidney beans, butter beans, pork and beans, and lima beans creates a colorful and flavorful casserole. Beans are a good source of fiber and protein, making this dish satisfying and nutritious.

Sauce

The sauce is a combination of ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard powder. It’s sweet, tangy, and adds depth of flavor to the casserole.

Onion

Onion adds a savory flavor and texture to the casserole. Cooking the onion with the ground beef helps to soften it and infuse its flavor into the dish.

Seasonings

Salt, pepper, and mustard powder add additional flavor to the casserole, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

This calico bean casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its mix of beans, beef, and bacon, it’s sure to become a family favorite!