This cozy dish brings together tender beef, crispy bacon, and hearty beans in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for family dinners!
If you’re like me, you’ll love how easy it is to make. Just toss everything together, let it simmer, and enjoy a tasty meal without the fuss. How can you say no to that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Calico Beans: These colorful beans are a mix of pinto and navy beans. If you don’t have calico beans, any combination of dried beans will work, like black beans or kidney beans. Just be sure to soak them overnight!
Beef Chuck: Ground beef is a great alternative if you want a quicker option. You might also try turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian version of this dish.
Bacon: Turkey bacon or pancetta can replace regular bacon if you’re looking for a different flavor or a lighter option. Some folks even like to skip the meat altogether and add smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
Molasses: This gives the dish its sweet richness. If you don’t have molasses, brown sugar mixed with a little honey or maple syrup can serve as a substitute, but the flavor will be a bit different.
How Can I Ensure My Beans Are Perfectly Tender?
The key to tender beans is soaking them overnight! This not only softens the beans but also reduces cooking time. After soaking, be sure to drain and rinse them well to remove any excess starch so the dish won’t be too gummy.
- Cook the beans until they are just tender in the oven. It’s better to cook longer at a lower temperature than risk burning them at high heat.
- If your beans are still a bit firm before serving, you can always simmer them on the stovetop with a little extra water or broth to finish cooking them.
How to Make Easy Vintage Calico Beans with Beef and Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beans:
- 1 pound dried calico beans (or mixed pinto and navy beans), soaked overnight and drained
For the Meat Mixture:
- 1/2 pound beef chuck, diced or ground
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups water or beef broth
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes to prep and 2 to 2.5 hours to cook in the oven. So, get ready for a total of about 3 hours of love before you dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your beans. Get your baking dish ready too!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy and delicious. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, but leave that tasty bacon fat in the skillet for the beef!
3. Brown the Beef:
Add the diced or ground beef to the skillet with the bacon fat, cooking until it’s browned. Once it’s cooked, take it out and let it hang out with the bacon while you prep the next steps.
4. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until they become translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to give it that wonderful flavor.
5. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked and drained beans, cooked beef, bacon, onions, and garlic. Give it a good stir to mix everything together!
6. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and water or beef broth. When it’s smooth and blended, pour this sauce over the bean mixture and stir well.
7. Bake It All Together:
Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours until the beans are tender and the sauce is thick.
8. Final Touches:
Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to let the top brown a little and add more flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before diving in. This hearty calico beans dish pairs beautifully with your favorite sides, so dish it out and enjoy your comforting meal!
This recipe creates a rich, savory, slightly sweet bean casserole loaded with hearty beef and crispy bacon – perfect for family gatherings or just a cozy night in!
FAQ for Easy Vintage Calico Beans with Beef and Bacon
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried Beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time! If you choose this route, use about 3 cans of beans (15 oz each). Since they’re already cooked, reduce the baking time to about 30-45 minutes until heated through and the flavors meld.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the beef and bacon. You can replace the beef with mushrooms or a meat substitute, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Use vegetable broth in the sauce for added flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or even some spices like cayenne pepper for heat. Just keep in mind that additional ingredients may alter the cooking time slightly.
