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Looking for a hearty dinner to feed the family? These Calico Beans are an exceptionally delicious option. Toss everything together in the slow cooker and make a meal you and the family will enjoy for several days.
Love using the slow cooker? Try our Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes or Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken too!
How to Make Slow Cooker Calico Beans
To get started, you’ll want to cook the required amount of bacon (see recipe card below) for 2-3 minutes and then add n the beef and onion. Cook everything until it is no longer pink, then drain and place in the slow cooker.
Now add in the remaining ingredients and give everything a good stir.
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. If you are cooking on high, make sure you stir the mixture once in a while to ensure nothing burns around the edges (sometimes beans will stick, so stirring is a good idea).
Freezing Calico Beans
These are a great make-ahead meal that freezes nicely. To do so, place them in a glass container with a lid and place in the freezer. They will keep for 3-4 months easily and are simple to reheat.
Happy Cooking!
The Fast & Slow Team
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Slow Cooker Calico Beans
- Prep Time
- 10 minutes
- Cook Time
- 8 hours
- Total Time
- 8 hours 10 minutes
- Course
- Main Course
- Cuisine
- American
- Servings
- 8
- Calories
- 268
- Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Author
- Fast & Slow Cooking
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick cut bacon diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 can 28 ounces molasses pork and beans
- 1 can 16 ounces kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 1 can 16 ounces lima beans rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large skillet cook the bacon for 2-3 minutes. Add in the beef and onion and cook until the meat is no longer pink, then drain.
- Combine the beef mixture, bacon, beans, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, mustard and salt in a slow cooker.
- For the slow cooker, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 6-8 hours. If you are cooking on high be prepared for stirring it once in a while in case your crockpot runs hot. The beans can burn on the edges if you have a really hot slow cooker.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
All calories and info are based on a third party calculator and are only an estimate. Actual nutritional info will vary with brands used, your measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Made this recipe?
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Please rate this recipe in the comments below to help out your fellow cooks!
Jody says
This looks a bit like chili. I’m going to try it. Do you think I could 1/2 the sugar and it would still taste good?
Fast & Slow Cooking says
Not sure if dropping the sugar would still taste good but you can try. My mom used to make it for many years when I was a kid, it’s delicious.