Hey there, bean lovers! I am thrilled to share with you one of my favorite recipes – Calico Beans. This hearty dish is a medley of different types of beans including lima beans, pork and beans, red beans, and black-eyed peas, all simmered together in a flavorful sauce. And guess what? It’s as colorful as a calico cat, hence the name! Originating from the Southern United States, Calico Beans is a classic comfort food, perfect for family gatherings. With a rich, smoky flavor imparted by the combination of Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, mustard, and vinegar, every bite is a flavor explosion in your mouth. Not only is this dish delicious, it’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome meal. What I love about this recipe is its versatility – it can be a side dish or a main course, depending on your preference. So, are you ready to try out this satisfying and belly-warming recipe? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 1 can lima beans, drained
- 1 can pork and beans
- 1 can red beans
- 1 can black-eyed peas
- 1 lb. hamburger
- 1/2 lb. chopped bacon
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 c. celery, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 1 c. catsup
- 1 Tbsp. liquid smoke
- 1 Tbsp. mustard
- 1 Tbsp. vinegar
Baking Instructions
- Brown hamburger and bacon.
- Add 1 medium chopped onion and the celery.
- Mix sauce, sugar, catsup, liquid smoke, mustard and vinegar.
- Mix beans and sauce with meat; bake in a casserole dish at 350° for 45 minutes.
Calorie: 500
Total cooking time: 1 hour
Difficulty level: Medium
A Legume Love Affair: The Tale of Calico Beans
The Beans that Started It All
Once upon a time, in the kingdom of my kitchen, I embarked on an exciting quest to prepare Calico Beans. No, calico isn’t just for cats anymore, folks. In my hands, I held four cans of wonder: lima beans, pork and beans, red beans, and black-eyed peas. I mean, who knew cans could hold so much magic?
The Meaty Meet-Up
Next up was the meat. I had a pound of hamburger and half a pound of chopped bacon. As I started to brown them, the smells wafting from the pan were like a siren song to my stomach. I swear, even my dog’s sniffer started twitching. I had to remind him that onions and dogs don’t mix, which is a good thing since the next step was adding a medium chopped onion and some celery.
Saucy Shenanigans
Now, let’s talk sauce. I mean, what’s a bean dish without a good sauce, right? This one had Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, catsup, liquid smoke, mustard, and vinegar. Yes, you read right, liquid smoke. It’s as if a BBQ had a baby with a bottle. I mixed all these together and tried not to drool. If you’ve never whipped up a concoction like this, let me tell you, it’s like stirring a pot of liquid gold.
Bringing It All Together
So, the meat was browned, the onions were softened, and the sauce was well, saucy. Now it was time to bring everyone together. The beans met the sauce, and then they all jumped into the pan with the meat. I’ll admit, it was a bit of a party in the pan at this point. If pans could talk, this one would be saying, “Hey, could you give me a little room here?”
Bake It ‘til You Make It
Once everyone was acquainted, I coerced the whole lot into a casserole dish and set the oven to 350°. The casserole dish was a little snug, but hey, who doesn’t like a cozy get-together? After 45 minutes, the dish came out smelling like a BBQ joint and a hamburger stand had a love child. It was glorious!
The Verdict
I sat down to my plate of Calico Beans and was not disappointed. The beans were soft, the hamburger and bacon gave it a hearty feel, and the sauce, oh the sauce! It had just the right balance of tangy and sweet, with a smoky edge from the liquid smoke.
Cooking Calico Beans might not be a walk in the park, but it’s definitely a walk around the flavor town. And let me tell you, it’s a walk worth taking. So, grab your cans of beans, your meats, and your sauce ingredients, and get ready for a fun-filled, tasty journey in the kitchen. Just remember to save me a plate!
