Sure! Here’s a tantalizing recipe for a beloved dish called the “Calico Bean Pot,” a delightful bean casserole that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or cozy weeknight dinners. This recipe has been a hit at gatherings, and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen too! Inspired by ‘The Best of the Best’ cookbook, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. 🌟
Calico Bean Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 8 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) lima beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon pieces until they are crisp. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
-
Cook Onion: In the same skillet, cook the diced onion in the bacon grease until it becomes soft and translucent. This will infuse the onion with delicious flavor.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish, combine the cooked bacon, cooked onion, drained green beans, lima beans, kidney beans, brown sugar, vinegar, dry mustard, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
-
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour.
-
Adjust Consistency: Depending on your preference, you can choose to bake the beans uncovered for a slightly drier texture or cover them for a saucier finish.
-
Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the Calico Bean Pot from the oven and serve hot.
Alternative Cooking Method:
- Crockpot Option: If you prefer, you can also cook the Calico Bean Pot in a crockpot. Simply combine all the ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 458.1
- Fat: 15.5g
- Saturated Fat: 5.1g
- Cholesterol: 25.7mg
- Sodium: 935.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 67.6g
- Fiber: 11.9g
- Sugar: 29.8g
- Protein: 15g
Tips:
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd. Simply adjust the quantities accordingly and use a larger casserole dish or crockpot.
- Experiment with different types of beans to suit your taste preferences or to add variety to the dish.
- Serve the Calico Bean Pot as a side dish alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a buffet spread.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving for a delicious meal anytime.
With its rich flavors and hearty texture, the Calico Bean Pot is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a comforting dish, this recipe is a winner every time. Enjoy! 🍲