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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) to create a warm cooking environment for the hearty casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold the caramelized meat mixture into the bean combination, ensuring comprehensive integration and seasoning with salt and pepper for balanced taste.
- Distribute the robust mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, preparing it for its final transformation in the oven.
- 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