Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious? Look no further than this Calico Baked Beans recipe! This isn't your average canned baked beans; we're talking about a homemade version bursting with smoky bacon, sweet brown sugar, and tender beans, all baked to perfection. It's the perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner. This easy recipe is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, and it’s packed with flavor. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this fantastic addition to your healthy meal repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can pork and beans
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
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Prep the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon grease in the pot. Set the crispy bacon aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the bacon grease and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour in the pork and beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Stir in the brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Give everything a good mix to combine all the flavors.
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Bake to Perfection: Stir in the crispy bacon. Cover the pot and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. For a deeper flavor, uncover the pot during the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the sauce to reduce and caramelize slightly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious calico baked beans warm. They're fantastic as a side dish with grilled meats, burgers, or alongside cornbread. They also make a wonderful and satisfying vegetarian meal on their own.
Tips for the Best Calico Baked Beans:
- Don't be afraid to adjust the sweetness: If you prefer less sweet baked beans, reduce the amount of brown sugar. Taste and adjust to your preference!
- For a smokier flavor: Use smoked bacon or add a few drops of liquid smoke.
- Thicker sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of baking.
- Make it ahead: These baked beans taste even better the next day! Prepare them ahead of time and reheat before serving.
Variations:
- Spicy Calico Beans: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Calico Beans: Omit the bacon and replace it with a tablespoon of vegetable oil for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- BBQ Calico Beans: Stir in 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a typical serving provides a good source of protein and fiber. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients and quantities used in your recipe. This recipe is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal plan.
This easy and delicious Calico Baked Beans recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy the process of making this classic comfort food from scratch!