Easy Calico Bean Casserole Recipe: A Hearty Family Favorite

Cozy winter nights call for a hearty midwestern bean casserole that warms your soul from the inside out.

Comfort comes packed with protein and flavor in this classic dish.

Layers of different beans create a rich, satisfying texture that makes every bite memorable.

Home cooks across the midwest have perfected this simple yet delicious recipe through generations.

Smoky bacon adds depth and complexity to the mix, turning ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Minimal prep work means you can have this crowd-pleasing meal on the table quickly.

Scoop up a generous portion and savor the delightful blend of textures and tastes that make this casserole a true crowd-pleaser.

Why Calico Bean Casserole Packs a Hearty Punch

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This hearty casserole delivers rich, satisfying flavors that bring everyone together around the dinner table with its delicious blend of meats and beans.
• Simple Prep Magic: Combine ingredients in one skillet, mix in a bowl, and bake – minimal steps mean you'll have a robust meal ready without complicated cooking techniques.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with ground beef, bacon, and multiple bean varieties, this dish provides substantial nutrition that keeps hunger at bay and energy levels high.
• Flexible Entertaining Star: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual dinner parties, this versatile casserole scales easily and appeals to meat lovers and bean enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Calico Bean Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty base that adds rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Bacon: Provides a smoky and savory element to enhance the overall taste.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Baked Beans: Serves as the primary bean component with a sweet and tangy profile.
• Kidney Beans: Contributes additional texture and protein to the casserole.
• Butter Beans: Offers a creamy and soft texture to complement the other beans.
• Pork: Introduces extra meaty flavor and richness to the bean mixture.

• Brown Sugar, Ketchup, Mustard, Vinegar: Create a balanced sweet, tangy, and slightly sharp flavor profile for the casserole.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the overall taste.

How to Bake Calico Bean Casserole the Easy Way

Step 1: Brown Protein Powerhouse

Grab a large skillet and fire up the heat to medium. Toss in ground beef, crispy bacon, and diced onions.

Stir and cook until the beef transforms into delicious crumbly bits and looks perfectly browned. Once done, drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 2: Blend Bean Symphony

• Baked beans
• Pork
• Kidney beans
• Butter beans

• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Vinegar

Mix the cooked beef mixture into this bean party. Season with salt and pepper to make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the entire bean mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Slide it into a preheated oven at 350°F.

Let it bubble and warm through for 30-40 minutes until it’s steaming hot and looking irresistibly delicious.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out this hearty casserole and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings!

Best Tips for Bold Calico Bean Casserole Flavor

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free ketchup or replacing brown sugar with a small amount of honey or maple syrup for a healthier twist.
• Enhance protein levels by adding extra beans like black beans or navy beans to increase nutritional value and create more texture.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delicious meal the next day.
• Top with crispy breadcrumbs or shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking to create a crunchy, golden-brown crust that adds extra appeal.

Creative Combos for Calico Bean Casserole

• Vegetarian Bean Feast: Replace ground beef and bacon with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Spicy Southwestern Splash: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap ketchup for salsa to create a zesty Mexican-inspired casserole.
• Smoky BBQ Blast: Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup, add smoked paprika, and top with crispy onion rings for extra crunch and flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Mix: Incorporate oregano, rosemary, and replace vinegar with red wine, then sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before baking.

What to Serve with Calico Bean Casserole

• Savor Hearty Red Wine Pairing: Full-bodied red wines like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon complement the rich, meaty flavors of the Calico Bean Casserole, cutting through the dish's robust protein and bean intensity.
• Create Crisp Salad Side: A tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the casserole's heavy texture, balancing the meal with bright, acidic notes and adding lightness.
• Serve Cold Beer Companion: Robust craft beers like amber ale or porter match the casserole's deep, savory profile, enhancing the smoky bacon and ground beef with complementary malty undertones.

How to Store Calico Bean Casserole Like a Pro

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezing: Pack cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating (Oven): Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Microwave Option: Transfer portion to microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F throughout. Add splash of water to prevent drying out.

Calico Bean Casserole FAQs

• What makes Calico Bean Casserole different from other bean dishes?

This recipe combines multiple bean varieties like baked beans, kidney beans, and butter beans, creating a rich, complex flavor profile with the addition of ground beef and bacon for extra heartiness.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef and bacon with plant-based alternatives like veggie crumbles or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of meat drippings to maintain the robust flavor.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Calico Bean Casserole uses affordable ingredients like canned beans, ground beef, and basic pantry staples, making it an economical meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

Calico Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45-57 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Calico Bean Casserole brings midwest comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, smoky flavors and protein-packed goodness. Savory bacon, tender beans, and sweet molasses create a soul-warming dish that beckons you to grab a spoon and dig in.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 4 ounces (113 grams) bacon, chopped

Beans:

• 1 (16-ounce/454 grams) can baked beans with pork
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can kidney beans, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can butter beans, undrained

Seasonings and Flavorings:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chopped onion
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) to create a warm cooking environment for the hearty casserole.
2. Sizzle ground beef, crispy bacon, and diced onions in a skillet over medium heat, breaking down the meat until it transforms into golden-brown crumbles, approximately 5-7 minutes. Eliminate excess grease by draining thoroughly.
3. Merge multiple bean varieties in a spacious mixing bowl, incorporating pork and creating a rich, textured base. Introduce sweet brown sugar, tangy ketchup, zesty mustard, and a splash of vinegar to elevate the flavor profile.
4. Fold the caramelized meat mixture into the bean combination, ensuring comprehensive integration and seasoning with salt and pepper for balanced taste.
5. Distribute the robust mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, preparing it for its final transformation in the oven.
6. Bake the casserole for 30-40 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and create a bubbling, aromatic dish that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that keeps the hearty texture and protein.
• Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free ketchup or replacing brown sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia for a diabetic-friendly option.
• For extra depth, consider adding smoky chipotle powder or a splash of bourbon to enhance the complex flavor profile of the bean casserole.
• Make ahead and freeze the casserole unbaked for up to 3 months, allowing busy home cooks to prep a delicious meal in advance.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-47 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg