Slow Cooker Calico Beans A Hearty OnePot Wonder
Slow Cooker Calico Beans A Hearty Onepot Wonder
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 400-450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 10-12g |
Recipe Introduction
Craving Comfort?
Fancy some proper comfort food? Honestly, is there anything better than a bowl of warm, hearty beans? Today, we're diving into a slow cooker calico beans recipe.
This one-pot wonder is packed with flavor, super easy to make, and will make your kitchen smell amazing.
All About Calico Beans
Calico beans, also known as three bean casserole , are a classic American dish. They are a sweet and tangy mix of different beans, ground beef, and bacon in a tomato sauce.
It’s named for the colourful mix of different bean varieties. Think of it as a hearty bean stew. The recipe is dead easy and takes around 6 hours on slow cooking.
This easy calico beans recipe makes enough for 6-8 servings perfect for sharing, or having leftovers for lunch!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker calico beans recipe is pure gold. It's a fantastic one pot meal , making clean-up a breeze.
Plus, it's loaded with protein and fiber, making it a surprisingly healthy comfort food option. It's the perfect dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in.
The flavour gets better as it sits. What is not to love.
Before We look into into the Bean Recipes
Let's get the ingredients ready. I would not skip browning the meat and bacon. It makes all the difference! I swear by the ground beef recipes , and bacon is a cheat code to add an extra savoury note to it.
Are you ready to cook dutch oven calico beans or even bake these baked beans ?
Ingredients & Equipment for your Best Calico Beans
Let's talk ingredients, yeah? This slow cooker calico beans recipe is super flexible. Think of it as a blank canvas for your one pot meals masterpiece. We're making proper comfort food here.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
- Ground Beef: You'll need 1 pound (450g) . Look for ground beef with a good amount of marbling. It adds flavor! Don't be buying the cheap stuff. Trust me on this.
- Bacon: Grab 6 slices bacon. I like thick cut. Don't we all?
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. About 1 cup .
- Garlic: Go for 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best.
- Beans: Canned. Easy peasy. You want: 1 (15-ounce/425g) can each of great northern, kidney, pinto, and butter beans, rinsed and drained. Also, 1 (15-ounce/425g) can of pork and beans, undrained.
- Sauce: 1 (15-ounce/425g) can of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup.
- Sweetener: 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar.
- Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just 1 tablespoon (15ml) . This adds depth .
- Spices: 1 teaspoon (5ml) dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) smoked paprika. Salt and pepper to taste.
Spice It Up! Seasoning Notes
The spice combo is key for these bean recipes . Smoked paprika gives a smoky depth. Dry mustard? Well, It adds a tangy bite, and the Worchestershire sauce adds the umami! A pinch of cayenne never hurt anyone.
If you're feeling adventurous, try a dash of liquid smoke. Yum!
If you are looking to replace ingredients, brown sugar can be easily replaced by maple syrup to add a new flavor aspect to the hearty bean stew
What You Need: Equipment Time!
Alright, nothing fancy here. Essential equipment only!
- A large skillet.
- A 6-quart or larger slow cooker .
- A can opener. Obviously.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
If you don't have a slow cooker, a dutch oven calico beans recipe works too. I prefer the slow cooker for pure laziness.
It makes it a true set it and forget it kind of slow cooker recipes , perfect for a busy weeknight or entertaining.
So, you can even call it a easy calico beans recipe .
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Calico Beans Magic
Oh my gosh, let's talk slow cooker calico beans ! I love one pot meals , especially on busy weeknights.
Honestly, there's nothing better than coming home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner. These bean recipes are perfect comfort food. Think of it as elevated baked beans, because you deserve it!
Prep Steps for Killer Calico Beans
First things first, the mise en place is key. Chop your 1 medium yellow onion, mince 2 cloves garlic. Dice 6 slices bacon.
Get everything measured out. I promise, it makes the whole process smoother. Time saving tip: pre-chop your veggies the night before.
Seriously, it's a game changer. A quick safety reminder: always wash your hands before cooking!
Step-by-Step to Calico Bean Heaven
Okay, ready to dive in? Here's how to make magic:
- Brown 1 pound ground beef and the diced bacon in a large skillet. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 5 minutes .
- Transfer meat to the slow cooker. Add all beans: 1 (15-ounce/425g) can great northern, kidney, pinto, butter and pork & beans.
- Pour in 1 (15-ounce/425g) can tomato sauce, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything well.
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours .
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
Pro Tips for Calico Bean Perfection
Don't skip browning the meat! It adds so much flavor. Rinse those canned beans! It reduces sodium and prevents mushiness.
This is a fantastic dish to adapt, so you don't have to stick to ground beef recipes for it. And, if the beans are too thin, remove the lid for the last hour of cooking to thicken them up.
Honestly, you can throw it all in a dutch oven calico beans , then baked or put directly in the slow cooker, is basically your new best friend.
Try this hearty bean stew, it's so easy!
I remember one time, I forgot to drain the grease from the ground beef. Oh my goodness! The beans were a greasy mess.
Lesson learned: always drain the grease. Honestly, calico beans are the ultimate three bean casserole upgrade and it makes the best comfort food dish that everyone will love! Give my easy calico beans recipe a try, I hope you enjoy it.
Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Slow Cooker Calico Beans
Alright, let's talk about making these slow cooker calico beans perfect . Seriously, this comfort food is all about those little tweaks.
It transforms the dish. Think of these notes as your cheat sheet to one pot meals heaven.
Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Shine!
Forget boring bowls. These slow cooker calico beans are stars, so present them that way. A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions always looks fab.
I love serving them in cute mason jars for potlucks. Think rustic chic, you know? My husband swears they're amazing with a side of cornbread.
And, Honestly, I won't fight him on that. A refreshing coleslaw balances out the richness nicely too.
Storage Tips: Keeping the Good Times Rolling
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the hearty bean stew cool completely. Then, stash it in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .
Freezing? Absolutely! Portion it out and it should be good for up to 3 months . When reheating, a splash of water or broth helps prevent drying out.
Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Make sure it hits 165° F .
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Want to mix things up? You can. For a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef. Load up on extra veggies like bell peppers and carrots.
Vegetarian sausage crumbles can add a bit of meaty texture. Swapping maple syrup for brown sugar gives a fantastic flavor.
For a kick? Add a jalapeño!
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body
These bean recipes are packed with goodness. They are full of protein and fiber. This recipe has about 400-450 calories, 30-35g protein, 15-20g fat, 45-50g carbs, 10-12g fiber, 15-20g sugar, and 700-900mg sodium per serving.
The fiber will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Remember, these are estimates. Actual values will vary. This easy calico beans recipe will be one of your family favorites.
This recipe is a winner. It is a blend of baked beans and ground beef recipes . So, go on, give these slow cooker recipes a whirl.
You won't regret it. This dutch oven calico beans or three bean casserole version will become your favourite way to enjoy calico beans .
You’ve got this!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of beans in my slow cooker calico beans? What if I only have a few kinds on hand?
Absolutely! The beauty of slow cooker calico beans is its flexibility. While the recipe suggests a mix of great northern, kidney, pinto, and butter beans, feel free to substitute with whatever you have in your pantry. Just ensure the total amount of beans remains roughly the same.
It’s like mixing your favorite sweets in a pick 'n' mix; you do you!
My slow cooker calico beans turned out a bit watery. How can I thicken them up?
No worries, that happens sometimes! To thicken your slow cooker calico beans, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Just like rescuing a soggy bottom on The Great British Bake Off!
Can I make this slow cooker calico beans recipe vegetarian?
You sure can! Simply omit the ground beef and bacon. To add more texture and flavor, consider adding extra vegetables like chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even some diced zucchini. Vegetarian sausage crumbles can also be a great addition to mimic the meaty texture, giving your dish a real boost.
How long can I store leftover slow cooker calico beans, and what's the best way to reheat them?
Leftover slow cooker calico beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave them until heated through or warm them gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Add a splash of water or broth if they seem too thick, rather like reviving yesterday's tea.
I'm watching my sodium intake. Are there any tips for reducing the sodium in this slow cooker calico beans recipe?
Definitely! Rinsing the canned beans thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker will remove excess sodium. You can also use low-sodium or no-salt added canned beans and tomato sauce.
Taste the beans before adding any salt at the end, and consider using herbs and spices like smoked paprika and black pepper to enhance the flavor without adding more sodium, because sometimes you just don't want to be too salty!
