grandma’s calico beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best grandma’s calico beans recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my grandma’s calico beans recipe, a family favorite that’s been passed down for generations. This hearty, comforting dish is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too. The first time I made it was for my kids’ birthday party, and they all raved about it.

My husband even asked for seconds! The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

I love that it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup for me. The aroma that fills the kitchen while it’s cooking is simply irresistible. My grandma used to say that the smell of cooking beans was like a warm hug.

I couldn’t agree more. The flavors in this dish are perfectly balanced, with the sweetness of the beans and the savory goodness of the pork and bacon coming together in perfect harmony. My kids can be picky eaters, but they devour this recipe without hesitation.

It’s also a great way to get them to eat their veggies, as they’re not even aware they’re getting a serving of veggies with every bite! As for me, I love that this recipe is a great way to use up leftover bacon and ham. It’s also an excellent way to stretch your food budget, as it uses affordable ingredients.

But what I think I love most about this recipe is the memories it brings back for me. Every time I make it, I’m transported back to my childhood and the happy times we spent around the dinner table with family and friends.

Grandma’s Calico Beans Recipe

4.5 from 1377 votes

A hearty and comforting dish featuring a blend of beans, bacon, and a rich tomato-based sauce. This classic recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beans

1 lb dried calico beans
6 cups water

For the Seasoning

4 slices bacon, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme

👨‍🍳Directions

1Soak the dried calico beans in water overnight.
2This step ensures the beans will cook evenly and reduces the cooking time.
3Drain and rinse the beans before use.
4In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy and the fat has rendered.
5This should take about 5 minutes.
6Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
7Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent and slightly caramelized.
8This should take about 5 minutes.
9Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
10Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme to the pot.
11Stir well to combine the ingredients.
12This mixture will form the base of the sauce.
13Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
14Add the drained and rinsed calico beans to the pot.
15Stir well to combine the beans with the seasoning mixture.
16Pour in 6 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
17Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes.
18The beans should be tender and the sauce should have thickened slightly.
19Stir in the cooked bacon and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
20The beans are now ready to serve.
21This dish can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of cornbread or crusty bread.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can include a ham hock or smoked sausage to the beans. You can substitute canned beans for a quicker version, but soaking and cooking dried beans from scratch enhances the flavor.

Watch Video Of How Grandma’s Calico Beans Recipe Works

This recipe is a true classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just need a comforting meal after a long day, grandma’s calico beans are always a good idea.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it reheats – simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the oven until hot and bubbly. Serve over rice or with some crusty bread on the side for a satisfying meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grandma’s Calico Beans

What type of beans do you use in this recipe?

We use kidney beans, but you can also use pinto or navy beans if you prefer.

How long does it take to cook?

This recipe cooks on low for about 6-8 hours in a crock pot or 1-2 hours on the stovetop.

Can I add other ingredients to make it more flavorful?

Absolutely! Some people like to add diced onions, garlic, or bell peppers to give it an extra boost of flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

While there is no meat in this recipe per se, some vegetarians may object to the use of bacon and ham as these are considered animal by-products.

Can I store leftovers in the fridge or freezer?

Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

What if I don’t have any pork or bacon on hand?

You can substitute with vegan alternatives such as tempeh or seitan if you prefer a meat-free option.

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