It’s looking more and more likely that we will have to break out a special section for old family recipes. Not only are they fun to share they’re nostalgic. They’re also a tip of the cap to loved ones who make memorable dishes and choose to pass them down the line. Either that or everyone in the family wants to be a celebrity! We’ll probably get in trouble for that last comment. Around this time of year, when the weather turns cooler and the holidays are near, some of the best and most memorable food items seem to hit the table. This one is no different. Meemaw (as we affectionately call her) makes one hell of a dish called Meemaw’s Calico Beans and we’re excited to share them with you. So, let’s make her famous!
This dish is savory and slightly sweet. The beans are the star and they are complimented with ground beef, bacon, and brown sugar (among other items). Meemaw’s Calico Beans can be served as a side or live on their own as a main dish. If you like comfort food and a taste of the holidays then you’ve come to the right place. Buckle up because Meemaw’s Calico Beans are coming your way.
Preparation: Meemaw’s Calico Beans
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As always, gather up the ingredients to make life easy as you prepare Meemaw’s Calico Beans. We recommend a heavy Cab or a stout beer if you’re into that sort of thing. We think it helps the prep and cooking process anyway.
Once prepped, heat a Dutch oven (affiliate link) or other vessel to medium heat. Cook the bacon to desired doneness, approximately 4 – 5 minutes (flipping in between). Remove and set aside.
Saute the onion in the remnant bacon grease, stirring occasionally and until beginning to soften, 5 – 7 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking up with a wooden spoon or other device, and cook until browned, another 7 – 8 minutes. Remove from heat and drain excess grease.
Then, add all of the remaining ingredients along with adding the bacon back in. Bake at 350°F for 90 minutes. Remove, let cool for several minutes, and serve.
Y’all if that ain’t simple we don’t know what is. While it’s simple we think it’s also just simply delicious. We hope you do too. Hopefully this is a hit at your next pot luck or family gathering. Cheers!
Equipment: Meemaw’s Calico Beans
We used our “do-everything” Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven to make Meemaw’s Calico Beans. If you don’t have one of these, you should. It is worth every penny. It is so versatile and cleans up easy. From stovetop to oven without losing any flavor due to an unnecessary transfer! Pick one up today (affiliate link).
If you liked that, try this…
- Ground Beef Pot Pie
- Jamaican Oxtail Stew
- Curry Sausage Masala
- Cajun 16-Bean Soup
- Three Bean Jamaican Chili
- Ham and White Bean Soup
- Grilled Squash Casserole
- Pumpkin Spiced Braised Short Ribs
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Calico Beans
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs. Ground Beef
- ½ lb. Bacon, chopped
- 1 Sweet Onion, diced Large
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp. Yellow Mustard
- 2 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 can Lima Beans, drained Approx. 17 oz.
- 1 can Pork and Beans, large Such as Van Camp's. Approx. 31 oz.
- 1 can Great Northern Beans, drained Approx. 15 oz.
- 1 can Kidney Beans, undrained
Instructions
- Heat a Dutch oven or other vessel to medium heat. Cook the bacon to desired doneness, approx 4 – 5 minutes (flipping in between). Remove and set aside.
- Saute the onion in the remnant bacon grease, stirring occasionally until beginning to soften, 5 – 7 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking up with a wooden spoon or other device, and cook until browned, another 7 – 8 minutes. Remove from heat and drain excess grease.
- Add all remaining ingredients along with adding the bacon back in. Bake at 350°F for 90 minutes. Remove, let cool for several minutes, and serve.
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