This hearty dish combines baked beans with tasty hamburger and crispy bacon for a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s sweet, smoky, and totally filling!
Honestly, who doesn’t love the smell of bacon cooking? I could just sit back and enjoy that alone! Plus, it’s super easy to make—perfect for weeknight dinners.
Whenever I whip up these beans, I like to serve them with some bread for dipping. It’s such a cozy combo. You’ll want to make this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Bacon adds a crispy and smoky flavor to this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or even pancetta can work well as substitutes. For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and add smoked paprika for a similar flavor.
Ground Beef: While I love using ground beef for its rich taste, ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives if you want a leaner protein. You could also use plant-based ground meat if you’re aiming for a vegetarian dish.
Beans: The combination of pork and beans with kidney and lima beans is delightful. If you’re out of lima beans, navy beans or black beans can easily replace them. Just be sure to rinse the canned beans to reduce sodium.
Barbecue Sauce: I prefer a sweet barbecue sauce for balance. If you have a spicy option, it can give a nice kick! If you don’t have barbecue sauce, mix honey with some ketchup and a splash of vinegar for a quick fix.
How Do I Properly Cook the Bacon and Beef?
Cooking the bacon and beef correctly is key to getting the best flavors in your dish. Here are some simple steps:
- Cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, allowing the fat to render out. This fat adds flavor to the beef!
- Remove the bacon but keep the drippings in the pan. Brown your beef in the drippings for added richness.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the mixture if it looks greasy; you want a nice balance.
By following these steps, you’ll enhance the overall taste of your calico baked beans!
Easy Calico Baked Beans with Hamburger and Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (hamburger)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) pork and beans
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) lima beans or butter beans, drained
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook, for a total of 45 minutes. You’ll spend some time browning the meat and blending everything together, and then just let it simmer to marry the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet or pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. This will take a few minutes, and your kitchen will smell amazing! Once it’s done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pot, leaving the tasty drippings behind.
2. Brown the Beef:
Now, in the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the ground beef. Cook it over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as you go. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sauté the Onion:
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook along with the beef until the onion is nice and soft, about 3-4 minutes. This adds great flavor to the dish!
4. Combine the Beans:
Next, drain any excess grease from the pot if needed. Then, add the pork and beans, kidney beans, and lima beans. Gently stir everything together so the beans mix well with the meat and onions.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk it together until it’s well mixed.
6. Mix Everything Together:
Pour the sauce mixture over the bean and beef mixture in the pot, stirring well to combine everything. This is where the magic happens!
7. Add the Bacon:
Now it’s time to add the crispy bacon back into the pot. Stir it in for that delicious smoky flavor.
8. Simmer the Mixture:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will give all the flavors a chance to blend beautifully.
9. Final Seasoning:
At the end of cooking, taste the beans and season with salt and pepper as necessary. You might want to adjust the sweetness or tang based on your preference!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious calico baked beans hot as a hearty main course. It goes wonderfully with crusty bread or cornbread on the side for a cozy meal. Enjoy every bite!
How Can I Customize the Beans in This Recipe?
You can definitely customize the beans! If you don’t have one type of bean on hand, feel free to substitute with whatever you have. Black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas can work well. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through before serving.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked beans for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Can I Serve with Calico Baked Beans?
These beans are quite hearty and can be served as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh salad. They also make a great side dish for grilled meats or barbecue meals!
