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Calico Beans aka Cowboy Beans
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5 from 9 votes

Calico Beans

Very easy to make, this Calico Beans aka Cowboy Beans recipe is perfect for pairing with grilled foods at your next family barbecue.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Passive Time0 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Francine Lizotte
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword Backyard Party, Beef, Dairy Free, Easy Recipe, Gluten Free, Legumes/Beans, One Pot Meals, Picnic, Pork, Potluck, Tailgating

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup yellow onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped tips & tricks
  • 1/2 cup red peppers, chopped
  • 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste (I always use mixed peppercorns)
  • 2 large cloves garlic, pressed
  • 1 can (28 oz.) Bush's Maple & Cured Bacon Hickory Baked Beans
  • 1 can (15.5 oz.) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz.) lima beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup Kansas City BBQ sauce see Recipe
  • 1 tbsp. prepared yellow mustard
  • 1/2 tbsp. white vinegar

Directions

  • In a large pot, add bacon, turn the heat on medium and cook until crispy, about 10 to 12 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, scoop it up into a bowl and set aside.
  • To the pot, add onions and celery; sauté for 5 minutes.
  • Add red peppers and sauté for 2 minutes.
  • Add ground beef and break it down into small pieces; season with freshly ground black pepper. Sauté until halfway done before adding pressed garlic; cook until no longer pink.
  • Cook an extra 5 minutes or until the fat is almost gone.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and return the cooked bacon to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes, stirring often.
  • Five minutes before time is up, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.