Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Old Fashioned Calico Beans Recipe! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly day—hearty, satisfying, and packed with rich flavors that just dance on your taste buds. I love how the combination of tender beans and savory ground beef creates a deliciously comforting meal that feels like home. Plus, it’s super easy to make, which is a total win in my book! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something scrumptious for dinner, these calico beans are sure to be a hit. Trust me, they’ll become a family favorite!
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Calico Beans Recipe
2 cups calico beans, soaked overnight
1 pound ground beef, browned
1 onion, chopped
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Old Fashioned Calico Beans Recipe
Old Fashioned Calico Beans Recipe: A Comforting Delight 6
Alright, let’s dive into making these Old Fashioned Calico Beans! Follow along, and I promise you’ll have a scrumptious meal ready in no time.
Step 1: Soak the Beans
First things first, you’ll want to soak those calico beans overnight. Just toss them in a big bowl, cover them with plenty of water, and let them sit for about 8 hours. This step is super important; it helps soften the beans so they’ll cook up tender and delicious!
Step 2: Cook the Beans
Once your beans have soaked, it’s time to drain them. Rinse them under cold water, and then throw them into a pot filled with boiling water. Let them cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until they’re nice and tender. You’ll want to keep an eye on them, so you don’t overcook them—nobody likes mushy beans!
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Onion
While your beans are cooking, grab a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Oh, the smell of sizzling beef and onions is just heavenly! Make sure to break up the beef as it cooks so it turns out nice and crumbly.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! In a large pot, combine your cooked beans, the beef and onion mixture, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix it all up until everything is well-coated and happy together. This is where all the magic happens!
Step 5: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let your bean mixture simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows all those incredible flavors to meld together beautifully. Just make sure to stir occasionally and keep it at a gentle simmer—no need for a wild boil here!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, before serving, taste your calico beans and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Trust me, this final touch makes all the difference! Serve them hot, and don’t forget to have some cornbread on the side for a complete and comforting meal. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s hearty and filling, perfect for satisfying those hungry bellies!
Flavor-packed with a delightful mix of sweet and savory elements.
Super easy to prepare—ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned pros.
Gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Perfect for gatherings and potlucks; everyone will be asking for seconds!
Leftovers taste even better the next day, so you can enjoy it again!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Old Fashioned Calico Beans turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips to help you nail this recipe every single time.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your beans a bit sweeter, feel free to add a touch more brown sugar. Conversely, if you prefer a savory flavor, cut back on the sugar. It’s all about your taste buds!
Mix Up the Sauce: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different barbecue sauces! A smoky flavor can really elevate the dish, or opt for a sweet sauce for a different twist.
Use Leftover Meat: If you’ve got leftover brisket, pulled pork, or even turkey, toss it in! It adds a whole new layer of flavor and makes it a great way to use up leftovers.
Serving Suggestions: These beans are fantastic on their own, but serve them with some warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. You can also pair them with a simple green salad to balance out the richness.
Make Ahead: If you’re planning for a gathering, you can prepare the beans a day in advance and just heat them up before serving. They actually taste even better after sitting overnight as the flavors deepen!
Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which I hope you do, because they’re so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They make a great quick lunch or dinner option!
With these tips, you’ll be a pro at making Old Fashioned Calico Beans in no time. Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional information for these hearty Old Fashioned Calico Beans. While I can’t provide exact numbers since they can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, I can give you a general idea of what to expect. For a typical serving size of about 1 cup, you might be looking at approximately:
Calories: 320
Fat: 10g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 12g
Fiber: 10g
Sodium: 600mg
Remember, these values are just estimates, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific nutritional info for the ingredients you’re using. Enjoy your delicious meal while keeping these numbers in mind, and feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs!
FAQ About Old Fashioned Calico Beans Recipe
I know you might have a few questions when it comes to making these Old Fashioned Calico Beans, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
Can I use different types of beans? Absolutely! While calico beans give this dish its signature look and flavor, you can substitute them with other beans like kidney beans or pinto beans if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to soak and cook them according to their specific instructions!
What if I don’t have barbecue sauce? No worries! If you’re out of barbecue sauce, you can whip up a quick substitute by mixing ketchup with a bit of vinegar, brown sugar, and some spices. It’ll give you that sweet and tangy flavor that’s essential for these beans.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? For a vegetarian version, simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based option like lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute. You can also add in some extra veggies for a hearty twist!
How long will leftovers last? If you manage to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll be good for about 5 days. You can reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Can I freeze Old Fashioned Calico Beans? Definitely! These beans freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when you’re ready to dig in!
What do you recommend serving with calico beans? Oh, I love serving these beans with cornbread—it’s a match made in heaven! You could also pair them with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies to balance out the meal. If you want to get a little creative, try spooning them over baked potatoes or rice for a filling dinner.
I hope this clears up any questions you had! If you have more, feel free to ask. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store those delicious Old Fashioned Calico Beans once you’ve enjoyed your meal! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is always a bonus!), just let them cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer them into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Trust me, those flavors continue to improve as they sit!
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of options. The stovetop is my favorite method! Just scoop out what you want into a saucepan, add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist, and warm them over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally until they’re heated through—this usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Pop your serving into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat in short bursts of about 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, until they’re piping hot. Just be careful when you take it out; it can be steamy!
And if you’re lucky enough to have a lot left over, you can freeze them! Just let them cool completely, then scoop into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. They’ll keep well for about 3 months. When you want to enjoy them again, just thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. It’s like having a comforting meal ready to go at any time!
What do you think?
Share your thoughts, tips, or variations on this recipe!