Go Back
–+ servings
Print
5 from 1 vote

Calico Beans Recipe

This easy Slow Cooker Calico Beans recipe combines bacon, ground beef, onions, celery, kidney beans, and lima beans in a sweet and savory sauce. It's the perfect crock pot side dish for BBQs, potlucks, camping trips, holidays, and family dinners.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 15 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12
Calories: 573cal
Author: melissa
Cost: $10

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Slow cooker (5 to 6 quart or larger)
  • Wooden spoon
  • cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Materials

  • ½ lbs. bacon - cooked and crumbled
  • 3 lbs. ground beef - cooked and drained
  • 1 cup onion chopped
  • 1 cup sliced celery
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1&1/2 cups ketchup
  • 3 T mustard
  • 1&1/2 tsp salt
  • 15 oz. kidney beans - drained
  • 15 oz. Lima beans - drained

Instructions

  • Step 1

    Cook the bacon until crisp. Crumble and set aside.

  • Step 2

    In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and celery until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess grease.

  • Step 3

    Transfer the beef mixture to a large slow cooker. Stir in the cooked bacon, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, salt, kidney beans, and lima beans until everything is evenly combined.

  • Step 4

    Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking if possible.

  • Step 5

    Give the beans one final stir and serve warm.

Notes

Alternative to slow cooker - Bake in oven at 300 degrees for 40 minutes
  • Cook the bacon until crispy for the best smoky flavor.
  • Drain the kidney beans and lima beans before adding them to the slow cooker.
  • These beans taste even better the next day.
  • If reheating leftovers, stir in a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
  • This recipe is perfect for making a day ahead for parties, potlucks, and holidays.
nutrition facts are only an estimate 

Nutrition

Calories: 573cal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 2382mg | Potassium: 1012mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 574IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 5mg