This is one of those recipes that has simply always been around in our family. My mom has made these calico beans for as long as I can remember, especially for cookouts and big family gatherings.
Her original recipe is still written on an old, well-loved recipe card—the kind with stains on the paper and handwriting that tells you it’s been used more times than anyone could count.
They’re sweet, smoky, a little tangy, and incredibly simple to make. Best of all, they’re made to feed a table full of people.
So this one felt like the perfect recipe to share here first. ❤️
Mom’s original handwritten recipe card. ❤️
Mom’s Calico Beans Recipe
Serves 6–8
Ingredients
- ½ lb. bacon, diced
- ½ lb. ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup catsup
- 2 tsp. vinegar
- 1 tsp. prepared mustard
- 1 tsp. salt & pepper
- 1 can butter beans
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 large can pork & beans
Directions
Brown the bacon, ground beef, and onion.
Drain some of the juice from all of the beans, reserving it in case you need to add some back during baking.
Mix all ingredients together and bake uncovered at 300°F for 1½ hours.
A little note from my kitchen:
Mom’s original recipe card calls for ½ lb. of ground beef and a large can of pork & beans. When I make it, I use 1 lb. of ground beef and a 28-oz can of Bush’s Original Baked Beans. I also use 2 tablespoons of vinegar for that sweet, smoky flavor with just a little tang.
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