EASY CALICO BEAN CASSEROLE BAKE

The Ultimate Calico Bean Casserole Experience

Calico Bean Casserole, or sometimes known as Cowboy Beans, is a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. This hearty casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight meal. It’s the ultimate comfort food, blending a variety of beans with savory meats and a sweet and tangy sauce. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize to your liking. Want it spicier? Add some jalapeños. Need it vegetarian? Skip the meat and load up on veggies. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a family favorite. It’s much easier than making each type of bean separately, and tastes amazing. This is my go-to potluck recipe because it is always a success!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This Calico Bean Casserole recipe is not just another bean dish. What sets it apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of different beans creates a depth of flavor that’s both complex and comforting. The addition of bacon and ground beef provides a savory richness, while the barbecue sauce and brown sugar add a touch of sweetness and tang. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. I’ve perfected this recipe over the years, and I’m excited to share all my tips and tricks with you.

Ingredients for Calico Bean Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious casserole. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (16 ounce) can pork and beans, undrained

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (I prefer a smoky flavor)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Meats & Other:

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, but highly recommended!)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Calico Bean Perfection

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create your own Calico Bean Casserole masterpiece.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
3. Cook the bacon until crispy. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it. Pro Tip: I like to cook my bacon in the oven for even cooking and less mess!
4. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
5. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. This adds a nice layer of flavor. If you’re using garlic, add it in the last minute of cooking.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine all the beans (Great Northern, kidney, butter, pinto, and pork and beans).
2. Add the cooked ground beef and onion mixture, crumbled bacon, ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard to the bowl.
3. Stir everything together until well combined. Make sure all the beans are coated in the sauce.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Brown Goodness

1. Pour the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly browned on top. The longer it bakes, the more the flavors meld together.
3. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.

Tips and Tricks for Calico Bean Casserole Success

Want to take your Calico Bean Casserole to the next level? Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Add some veggies: Diced bell peppers, celery, or even corn would be great additions.
• Use different meats: Try using sausage, ham, or even pulled pork instead of ground beef.
• Customize the sauce: Experiment with different barbecue sauce flavors or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.
• Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes well! Cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Variations to Explore

One of the best things about Calico Bean Casserole is how versatile it is. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version.

• Vegetarian Calico Bean Casserole: Omit the bacon and ground beef and add more vegetables, such as diced carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Spicy Calico Bean Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
• Smoky Calico Bean Casserole: Use a smoky barbecue sauce and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
• Cheesy Calico Bean Casserole: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Calico Bean Casserole is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Cornbread: A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the casserole.
• Coleslaw: The cool, creamy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the warm, hearty casserole.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad adds a touch of freshness to the meal.
• Grilled Meats: Calico Bean Casserole is a great side dish for grilled chicken, steak, or ribs.

Casseroles for Every Craving

If you love casseroles as much as I do, be sure to check out some of my other favorite recipes:

• Chicken Casserole: A comforting classic with tender chicken and creamy sauce.
• Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole: The perfect combination of chili, cheese, and crispy tater tots.
• Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake: Flaky crescent rolls filled with a cheesy chicken mixture.
• Taco Casserole: All the flavors of a taco in a convenient casserole.
• Pizza Tot Casserole: A fun and easy dish that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Chicken And Spinach Casserole: A healthy and delicious casserole with chicken, spinach, and a creamy sauce.

Why You’ll Love Calico Bean Casserole

I know I’ve sung its praises already, but I truly believe this Calico Bean Casserole will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s:

• Easy to Make: Minimal prep time and simple ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at potlucks and gatherings.
• Versatile: Easily customizable to your liking.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients.
• Comforting: The ultimate comfort food that will warm you from the inside out.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a Calico Bean Casserole that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!