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4.6 from 141 votes

My Mom’s Famous Calico Beans

A versatile and tasty recipe that’s quick to prepare and easy to enjoy.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 (15-ounce) (15-ounce) can red pinto beans
  • 1 (15-ounce) (15-ounce) can white kidney/cannellini beans
  • 1 (15-ounce) (15-ounce) can black beans
  • 8 ounces Bacon chopped
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • ½ cup ketchup (see note)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 
  • 2 teaspoons dry mustard
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider or red wine vinegar
  • ⅓ cup water or low-sodium broth
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch optional, helps thicken the sauce a bit

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish (see note).
  2. Drain and rinse all the beans (go ahead and throw them all together in one colander) and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 teaspoon grease in the skillet.
  4. Add the onion to the skillet over medium heat and cook until softened, 4-5 minutes. Off the heat, add the beans and bacon.
  5. In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire, dry mustard, sugar, salt, vinegar, water (or broth) and cornstarch, if using, and whisk to combine thoroughly. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well.
  6. Scrape the entire mixture into the prepared baking pan. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45-60 minutes. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ketchup: I use the Simply Heinz brand of ketchup - other brands may differ in flavor and sweetness so taste as you go to make sure it's spot on.
  • Beans: also, if you'd rather, the beans can be cooked in a slow cooker on low for 4 hours instead of in the oven.
  • Baking Dish: I use a 3-quart baking dish for these beans which is a little smaller than a 9X13. If you are going to use a 9X13-inch, decrease the baking time slightly so the beans don't dry out since they'll be in a thinner layer.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Serving Calories 452kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 59g (20%) Protein 19g (38%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 25mg (8%) Sodium 1109mg (46%) Fiber 14g (56%) Sugar 20g (40%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 Serving
Calories 452kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 59g 20%
Protein 19g 38%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 25mg 8%
Sodium 1109mg 46%
Fiber 14g 56%
Sugar 20g 40%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.