Cowboy Bean Recipe (Calico Beans)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs 15 mins
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Total Time
4 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
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Calories
259 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cowboy Bean Recipe (Calico Beans)
Description
The recipe begins by cooking ground beef and diced bacon together until browned, then draining excess fat. Onions are added for flavor, followed by three types of beans: pork and beans, kidney beans, and butter beans, all prepared by draining, and in some cases rinsing. The mix is combined with brown sugar, ketchup, white vinegar, and yellow mustard to build a balanced sweet and tangy sauce. The dish is cooked covered either in a slow cooker, oven, or on the stove.
The slow cooker method requires cooking on high for about 4 hours or low for 8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and beans to absorb seasoning. Oven baking occurs at 350°F for about 45 minutes to an hour, and stovetop cooking is done by simmering until heated through with occasional stirring. Salt is added to taste towards the end.
This bean dish can be served as a side or a main, offering a satisfying and flavorful option with a mix of textures from the different beans and the savoriness of meat and seasonings. Substitutions for the beans can be made depending on preference.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound Bacon diced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 (16 ounce) cans pork and beans drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can Kidney Beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can butter beans drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- salt
Instructions
To make Calico Beans in a slow cooker:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and bacon; drain well and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add onion, all beans, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and mustard. Mix well, cover, and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours. Season to taste with salt (I like 1 teaspoon).
To make Calico Beans in the oven:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and bacon; drain well and transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Add onion, all beans, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and mustard. Mix well, cover, and bake until heated through, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Season to taste with salt (I like 1 teaspoon).
To make Calico Beans on the stove:
- In a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and bacon; drain well.
- Add onion, all beans, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt (I like 1 teaspoon).
Notes
- Substitute other canned beans such as cannellini, great northern, pinto, or additional kidney beans for butter beans if desired.
- Drain and rinse beans as indicated to reduce excess salt and improve texture.
- Salt is added toward the end to suit individual taste preferences.
- Cooking options include slow cooker, oven, or stovetop for flexibility in preparation.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings (3/4 cup each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 259 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 259kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 45mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 496mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 276mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 17g | 34% |
| Vitamin A | 84IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 25mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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