Calico Beans

Calico beans are a hearty and flavorful dish made with a variety of beans, ground beef or bacon, and a sweet and tangy sauce. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or bacon, chopped)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 ounces) butter beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 ounces) pork and beans (or baked beans)

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or bacon) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the drained and rinsed beans (kidney, butter, pork and beans, black beans).

5. Add the cooked ground beef (or bacon) and onion mixture to the bowl of beans.

6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

7. Pour the sauce over the bean mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly.

8. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish or a large oven-safe skillet.

9. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the sauce has thickened.

Serve hot as a main dish or a hearty side. Enjoy your calico beans!