grandma’s calico beans recipe

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grandma's calico beans recipe
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The Best grandma’s calico beans recipe

I’m so excited to share my grandma’s calico beans recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in our family for generations, and it’s always a hit at any gathering or meal. The recipe originated from my great-grandmother, who brought it with her from the Southern United States.

The name ‘calico beans’ comes from the colorful mix of kidney beans, black beans, and navy beans that are used in the recipe. When I was growing up, my grandma would make this dish for every family dinner, and it was always a highlight of the meal. The combination of flavors and textures is just magic – the sweetness of the brown sugar and molasses, the savory flavor of the ground beef, and the depth of flavor from the onions and garlic.

My kids love helping me prepare this recipe, and they can’t get enough of the finished product. It’s one of those comfort foods that just makes you feel happy and content. One thing I love about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just brown the ground beef, sauté the onions and garlic, add in the beans and seasonings, and let it simmer until everything is nice and tender.

It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday meal or potluck. And did I mention that it freezes beautifully? So whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a delicious meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

My grandma used to say that this recipe was ‘the perfect comfort food,’ and I couldn’t agree more.

Grandma's Calico Beans Recipe

Grandma’s Calico Beans Recipe

4.9 from 841 votes

A hearty and comforting classic, Grandma’s Calico Beans Recipe is a slow-cooked bean dish with a rich sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beans

1 lb dried pinto beans
1 lb dried navy beans
1 large onion, diced
2 large carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cups pork and beans
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

For the Meat

1 lb ground beef
1 lb bacon, diced
1 small onion, diced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse and sort the dried beans.
2Cover them with water and let them soak overnight.
3This will help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
4Drain the beans before using.
5Place the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
6Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
7This should take about 5-7 minutes.
8Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
9Add the diced bacon to the pot with the beef drippings.
10Cook over medium heat until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered.
11This should take about 5-7 minutes.
12Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
13Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the bacon fat.
14Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
15This should take about 5-7 minutes.
16The onions should be translucent and the carrots and celery should be slightly tender.
17Stir in the molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
18Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is heated through and the sugar is dissolved.
19This should take about 2-3 minutes.
20Add the soaked and drained beans, pork and beans, and 4 cups of water to the pot.
21Stir well to combine.
22Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
23Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours.
24Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
25The beans should be tender and the sauce should have thickened slightly.
26Once the beans are tender, stir in the cooked beef and bacon.
27Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well combined and the beans are heated through.
28The beans should be thick and hearty.
29Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
30Serve the beans hot, with cornbread or crackers if desired.
31If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
32Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if necessary to restore the consistency.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12💛Saturated Fat: 5❤️Cholesterol: 30🧂Sodium: 600🌾Total Carbs: 45🥦Dietary Fiber: 3🍬Sugars: 5🥩Protein: 15

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute other types of beans if you prefer. For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water.

Watch Video Of How Grandma’s Calico Beans Recipe Works

I’m so glad I can share my grandma’s calico beans recipe with all of you now – it’s truly one of my favorite comfort foods. Not only is it deliciously flavorful and filling, but it’s also incredibly easy to make (even on busy weeknights).

And let’s not forget about its many health benefits – with all those fiber-rich beans, lean ground beef (or substitute), and plenty of veggies added in for extra nutrition. Plus, it freezes beautifully so you can enjoy it whenever you like.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grandma’s Calico Beans

Q: What type of beans do I use for calico beans?

A: You can use any combination of kidney beans, black beans, navy beans, or pinto beans – whatever you have on hand or prefer. I like to use a mix of all four for the authentic flavor and texture.

Q: Can I make calico beans in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can definitely make calico beans in a slow cooker! Simply brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet before adding everything to your slow cooker with your choice of seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Q: Is calico beans suitable for vegetarians?

A: While traditional calico beans recipes include ground beef for added flavor, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting with ground portobello mushrooms or tempeh – simply adjust your seasonings accordingly.

Q: How long does calico beans keep in the fridge?

A: Calico beans will keep in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 5 days – just reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze calico beans?

A: Yes! In fact, freezing is one of my favorite ways to preserve this dish – simply portion out individual servings into freezer-safe containers or bags before freezing up to 6 months.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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