This Easy Vintage Calico Beans dish is a hearty mix of tender beans, ground beef, and crispy bacon. It’s sweet, savory, and perfect for a cozy meal with family!
Making this dish is like a warm hug on a plate! I love how the flavors blend together, and it’s great for leftovers—if it lasts that long! Bring on the seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor that really enhances the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works well too, though it’s a bit less rich.
Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef, but you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as poultry can cook faster.
Beans: You’ll need a mix of beans for a variety of textures and flavors. If you can’t find one type of bean, feel free to swap in other canned beans like black beans or cannellini beans.
Barbecue Sauce: This gives the dish its sweet and tangy kick! If you’re watching sugar intake, look for a sugar-free barbecue sauce or make your own with tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices.
Onion: A medium onion provides great flavor, but if you’re not a fan, you can use shallots or even garlic for a twist!
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking ground beef right is crucial for a tasty dish. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with a preheated skillet on medium heat. This helps to brown the meat evenly.
- Add the ground beef and let it sit for a minute before stirring. This helps create a nice, brown crust.
- Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- Cook until it’s browned and no pink remains, around 6-8 minutes, depending on the heat and amount of beef.
Drain excess fat if you prefer a leaner result!
Easy Vintage Calico Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 1 hour for a comforting, homemade dish that will warm you up from the inside out!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your oven is ready to go when it’s time to bake the beans!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crispy. When it’s done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside. Don’t toss that bacon fat—it’s essential for flavor!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the same skillet with the leftover bacon fat. Cook the beef until it’s browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
4. Sauté the Onion:
Once the beef is browned, toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes tender and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The smell will be amazing!
5. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked bacon, browned beef, sautéed onions, and all three types of beans. Then, add in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until everything is combined!
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Now it’s time to transfer that delicious mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes nicely.
7. Bake It Up:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake uncovered for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling and slightly caramelized on top!
8. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the calico beans warm, and enjoy the comforting mix of flavors—perfect as a hearty main dish or a satisfying side.
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful vintage calico beans with the smoky goodness of bacon and savory ground beef!
FAQ for Easy Vintage Calico Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just be mindful that it may cook a bit quicker, so keep an eye on it while browning.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and ground beef. You can replace them with 1 or 2 cups of finely chopped mushrooms or other veggies for a hearty flavor, and make sure to use vegetarian barbecue sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in individual portions or warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just increase the baking time by about 10 minutes if you bake it straight from the fridge.
