Indulge in the rich, smoky, and delightfully sweet flavors of a true American classic: Slow Cooker Calico Beans. This iconic comfort food, cherished for its vibrant “calico” appearance and robust taste, is a perfect blend of kidney, cannellini, and pork and beans, slow-cooked to tender perfection. Imagine a hearty pot brimming with deep, tangy notes derived from a savory medley of condiments, succulent ground beef, and crispy bacon – each spoonful a warm embrace of home-style goodness. This easy-to-make dish promises to be a family favorite, transforming simple pantry staples into an unforgettable culinary experience with minimal effort.
This crockpot calico beans recipe is designed for ease and flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy households or anyone looking for a satisfying meal without the fuss. By combining a delightful mix of crispy bacon, browned ground beef, and an assortment of canned beans with a rich, tangy, and subtly sweet sauce crafted from ketchup, mustard, vinegar, and brown sugar, every ingredient contributes to a symphony of flavors. The slow cooking process allows these components to meld harmoniously, infusing every bean with that signature deep, smoky taste that defines truly great calico beans.
One of the many beauties of this slow cooker calico beans recipe is its incredible adaptability. Looking to make it even more economical? Easily swap out canned beans for their dried counterparts, just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly for a still thick, hearty, and undeniably delicious result. For those seeking a complete one-pot meal, toss in some fresh or frozen vegetables during the cooking process. And for a lighter or plant-based option, simply omit the meat for a satisfying vegetarian slow cooker beans recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, contributing to a lively potluck, hosting a backyard BBQ, or gathering friends for game day, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ nature of slow cooking means you can focus on other tasks while your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of this delightful dish. Trust us, once you experience the comforting deliciousness of these calico beans, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
What Are Cowboy Calico Beans?
The culinary landscape of the American Midwest is rich with robust, practical recipes born out of necessity and ingenuity. Many of these hearty “dump dinners” have their roots in the resourceful cooking methods of cowboys and ranchers who would whip up meals in cast iron over open fires, using whatever ingredients were readily available. These dishes often prioritize flavor, sustenance, and ease of preparation, qualities that continue to make them beloved today.
In this enduring spirit, calico bean bakes, also known as cowboy calico beans, rose to prominence as an exceptionally budget-friendly dish. Its appeal lay in its ability to transform an assortment of common pantry staples—primarily canned beans and basic condiments—into a deeply satisfying meal. The “calico” name itself is a nod to the delightful visual tapestry created by the diverse colors of the beans used. Typically, a calico bean recipe features a medley of varieties such as dark red kidney beans, creamy white cannellini or navy beans, and sometimes even garbanzo beans (chickpeas) or lima beans. This vibrant combination not only looks appealing but also contributes a rich spectrum of textures and flavors to the finished dish, ensuring every bite is a unique experience.
Historically, these beans were a staple for feeding large groups, offering substantial energy and comforting warmth, especially after a long day of work. Today, slow cooker calico beans maintain that legacy, providing a comforting, nutritious, and incredibly versatile meal that continues to win hearts at dinner tables across the country. It’s a dish that embodies both tradition and effortless modern cooking.
Why We Love This Calico Beans Crock Pot Recipe
There are countless reasons why this slow cooker calico beans recipe stands out as a true culinary gem, perfect for any home cook seeking both convenience and an explosion of flavor.
- Effortless, Hands-Off Cooking
Life can be hectic, but dinner doesn’t have to be. This recipe epitomizes easy cooking, requiring minimal effort and active participation. Simply gather your ingredients, briefly brown the meats and onions, then toss everything into your trusty slow cooker. Once assembled, you can set it and forget it, allowing the gentle, consistent heat of the crockpot to work its magic. Over several hours, the flavors will slowly deepen and meld, transforming into a rich, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying dish. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without being tied to the stove, or for leisurely weekend gatherings where you prefer to socialize rather than cook. - Packed with Bold, Sweet & Smoky Flavors
The magic of calico beans lies in its intricate flavor profile. This recipe masterfully combines savory elements like bacon and ground beef with sweet brown sugar, tangy mustard, and a hint of apple cider vinegar. This harmonious blend creates a sauce that is not only sweet and tangy but also infused with a profound smoky depth that makes every bite utterly irresistible. The slow cooking process is crucial here; it ensures that all these distinct flavors have ample time to intertwine and develop, permeating every single bean and piece of meat. The result is a complex, layered taste that is both comforting and exciting, inviting you to savor each mouthful. - Customizable & Perfect for Any Occasion
Versatility is a hallmark of truly great recipes, and this slow cooker calico beans dish delivers. Whether you’re adhering to specific dietary preferences, working with what you have on hand, or simply looking to experiment, this recipe is incredibly easy to tweak. Craving a meatless meal? It’s simple to adapt it into a vegetarian dinner by omitting the bacon and ground beef. If budget is a concern, dried beans can be used instead of canned, offering a more economical option without sacrificing texture or taste. You can also easily add extra vegetables—like chopped bell peppers or corn—to create a more comprehensive and nutritious one-pot meal. Furthermore, its hearty and universally appealing nature makes it suitable for almost any occasion. Serve it as a robust main dish alongside cornbread, or as a flavorful side at barbecues, potlucks, family dinners, or game day gatherings. It’s a dish that guarantees smiles and encourages everyone, even the pickiest eaters, to come back for seconds!
Make them right in your oven with our calico casserole recipe for another delightful variation!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Understanding the role of each ingredient and knowing your substitution options can greatly enhance your cooking experience and allow for creative adjustments. Here’s a deeper look into the key components of our slow cooker calico beans:
- Bacon: This ingredient is a flavor powerhouse, contributing a quintessential smoky, savory depth to the dish. For a lighter option, feel free to swap traditional bacon with turkey bacon, which offers a similar smoky essence with less fat. For a completely vegetarian version, you can omit it entirely and perhaps add a dash of liquid smoke to compensate for the lost smokiness.
- Ground Beef: Providing substantial richness and heartiness, ground beef forms the backbone of the meaty flavor in this recipe. For a leaner alternative, consider substituting with ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based crumbles. When using leaner meats, you might want to add a tablespoon of cooking oil when browning to prevent sticking and ensure a good texture.
- Onion: A fundamental aromatic, onion deepens the overall flavor with its inherent mild sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during sautéing. Yellow, white, or red onions can all be used interchangeably. If you’re short on fresh onions, a teaspoon of onion powder can be a convenient substitute, though it won’t offer the same textural contribution.
- Ketchup: This common condiment serves as the primary sweet and tangy base for the rich sauce. Its vibrant tomato flavor and acidity are crucial. As an alternative, you can replace it with plain tomato sauce or tomato paste mixed with a little brown sugar to achieve a similar sweet-tangy balance, offering a less processed option.
- Brown Sugar: Essential for balancing the tangy and smoky elements, brown sugar introduces a deep, caramel-like sweetness that is characteristic of classic baked bean dishes. If you’re looking for different sweetening options, honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar can be used in equal measure, each imparting its own subtle flavor nuance.
- Yellow Mustard: A touch of yellow mustard provides a subtle, tangy kick that brightens the sauce and adds complexity. For those who prefer a more pronounced or spicier flavor, Dijon mustard or a spicy brown mustard can be excellent substitutes, offering a more robust tang.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The acidity of apple cider vinegar is key to cutting through the richness and adding a vital brightness to the dish. It prevents the flavors from becoming too heavy. White vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used as effective substitutes, each contributing a slightly different acidic profile.
- Pork and Beans: This is a key ingredient that brings not only beans but also a ready-made, rich, and slightly sweet tomato sauce to the mix. If you can’t find pork and beans, you can substitute with regular canned white beans (like cannellini or navy beans) and then add a touch more ketchup and brown sugar to replicate the original flavor profile.
- Lima (Butter) Beans: These beans are prized for their wonderfully creamy texture, which adds a luxurious feel to the bean mixture. If lima beans aren’t to your taste, or if they’re unavailable, you can easily swap them for other creamy beans like cannellini or navy beans.
- Kidney Beans: Providing a hearty texture and a beautiful contrasting color, kidney beans are a staple in calico bean recipes. Both red kidney beans and light red kidney beans work perfectly. For a slight variation in color and texture, black beans can also be used as an alternative.
- Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas): Garbanzo beans contribute a pleasant nutty flavor and a firm bite, adding another layer of texture to the dish. Should you wish to substitute, pinto beans, black beans, or great northern beans are excellent choices that will fit seamlessly into the flavor profile.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of slow cooker calico beans lies in its versatility. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these delicious variations to make the dish uniquely yours:
- Make it a One-Pot Meal: For a complete dinner in a single pot, incorporate fresh-cut or frozen green beans, carrots, or corn directly into the slow cooker. They will cook alongside the beans and absorb all the wonderful flavors, transforming this into an all-in-one meal. Consider lightly steaming fresh green beans before adding them for optimal texture.
- Extra Meaty Option: If you’re a fan of bolder, richer flavors, consider swapping out the ground beef for an equal amount of ground pork sausage. The spices in the sausage will infuse the beans with an even more savory and robust taste, making it exceptionally hearty.
- Lean Protein Swaps: For a lighter take on this classic, use turkey bacon and/or ground turkey in place of their traditional counterparts. Since turkey is naturally leaner, it’s advisable to add about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil (such as olive oil or vegetable oil) when sautéing the onions and turkey to prevent sticking and ensure proper browning.
- Vegetarian Delight: Creating a vegetarian version is wonderfully simple. Just omit the bacon and ground meat entirely. To ensure the dish retains its depth of flavor, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil when sautéing the onion at the beginning, allowing it to soften and release its sweet notes. You can also add smoked paprika for a smoky essence without meat.
- BBQ Flavor Upgrade: For an even tangier and smokier dimension, replace all or part of the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce. A good quality, rich BBQ sauce will elevate the dish’s depth and provide a delightful zesty kick.
- Boost the Smokiness: If you crave an intense smoky flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke during the final stages of cooking. This concentrated ingredient will deliver an authentic, campfire-like aroma and taste to your beans.
- Richer, Deeper Sweetness: To achieve a more profound, slightly caramelized sweetness, add 1 tablespoon of molasses to the sauce mixture. Molasses not only adds a unique sweetness but also contributes a beautiful dark color and a subtle earthy richness.
- Use Dried Beans: For a truly budget-friendly and deeply flavorful option, use dried beans instead of canned. Remember that dried beans require pre-soaking (either overnight or a quick soak method) and a significantly longer cooking time. As a general guide, use about 1/2 cup of dry beans for every 15-ounce can. You’ll also need to add an additional 1-2 cups of water or broth to the slow cooker to ensure they cook properly and don’t dry out. Adjust the slow cooker time by an extra 2-3 hours on low, or 1-2 hours on high, ensuring beans are tender before serving.
Equipment Used in this Recipe
To prepare these delicious slow cooker calico beans, you’ll need just a couple of essential kitchen items:
- Crockpot/Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show! A slow cooker (typically 6-quart capacity or larger) is indispensable for this recipe, allowing the beans to simmer gently for hours, developing deep flavors and tender textures with minimal effort. Its “set it and forget it” nature makes it perfect for busy days.
- Large Skillet: A sturdy skillet is needed for browning the ground beef, bacon, and onions before they go into the slow cooker. This crucial step develops a rich foundational flavor through caramelization and renders the bacon crispy, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the finished dish. A large skillet ensures even cooking of these initial ingredients.
How To Make Crockpot Calico Beans Recipe
Creating this satisfying calico beans recipe in your crockpot is wonderfully straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be serving a tangy, delicious, and deeply comforting dinner tonight.
- Prepare the Meat and Onions: Begin by cooking the diced bacon, ground beef, and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté until the ground beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, the bacon is crispy, and the onions have softened and become translucent. This initial browning step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors that will permeate the entire dish. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the beans from being overly greasy.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef mixture to your crockpot. Add the essential flavor components: ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Next, drain and rinse your canned beans (pork and beans, butter/lima beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans) and add them to the pot. Pour in 1-2 cups of water to create the perfect consistency for the sauce, then stir everything together until well combined. For an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor, you can lay a few strips of uncooked bacon on top of the mixture before covering, and drizzle lightly with BBQ sauce if desired.
Pro Tip: Streamline Meal Prep!
To make this and other ground beef-based recipes effortless “dump-and-go” meals, consider preparing a large batch of ground beef in advance. Simply sauté 5 pounds of ground beef at once in a large skillet until fully cooked, drain the fat, and then separate it into 5 individual freezer bags. This way, you can easily pull out a pre-cooked portion whenever a slow cooker recipe calls for ground beef, saving you significant time and effort during meal prep.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or to the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The precise timing may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and desired tenderness, so keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking window. The goal is for the beans to be tender and the sauce to be thick, rich, and bubbling with flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the calico beans are cooked through and bursting with flavor, it’s time to serve! Garnish generously with your favorite toppings to add extra texture and zest. Crispy bacon bits, crunchy French fried onions, freshly chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese are all fantastic choices that elevate this hearty dish even further. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This savory, saucy slow cooker calico beans dish is a meal in itself, but it truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some delightful ideas to complete your comfort food feast:
- Classic Cornbread: Nothing complements beans quite like a warm, moist slice of cornbread. Try a delicious dairy-free cornbread recipe for a lighter option, or a traditional skillet cornbread that soaks up all the rich sauce beautifully.
- Fluffy Biscuits: For a lighter, yeasty counterpoint, serve your calico beans with quick and easy homemade biscuits. Our easy 3-ingredient homemade biscuits are ready in just 15 minutes, or choose from tender self-rising flour biscuits or savory Bisquick cheddar and garlic biscuits. They’re perfect for scooping up every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
- Crisp Green Salad: To add a refreshing and healthy element, balance the richness of the beans with a vibrant, crisp fresh salad. A kale salad with a tangy tahini dressing or a colorful cowboy salad would provide a welcome contrast in textures and flavors.
- Crusty Bread: A simple loaf of crusty bread, such as sourdough or a French baguette, is excellent for soaking up the delicious juices.
- Grilled Meats: These beans make an outstanding side dish for barbecued ribs, grilled chicken, or smoked pulled pork, enhancing any outdoor feast.
Love Budget-Friendly & Hearty Recipes?
If you enjoyed the ease and flavor of these slow cooker beans, be sure to explore more of our comforting recipes. You’ll love our easy and delicious navy bean soup in the Instant Pot, which is perfect for a quick and wholesome meal. Our Instant Pot lima beans and ham also offer a similar hearty appeal. For a fresh and vibrant side, try our Tuscan bean salad. And if you’re craving a spicy kick, our easy fast chili is a fantastic choice.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! The beauty of calico beans is their versatility. Feel free to use whatever types of canned beans you have on hand. You can mix and match various kinds, such as pinto, navy, great northern, or even black beans, or use multiple cans of the same type if that’s what you prefer. For an added splash of color and a serving of green vegetables, you can even stir in some green beans.
Yes, butter beans and lima beans are indeed the same plant species, but they are often distinguished by their maturity and regional naming. Lima beans typically refer to the immature, greener variety, while butter beans are usually more mature and beige in color, known for their creamy texture. Both can be used interchangeably in most recipes, including this one.
Yes, you certainly can use dried beans for a more budget-friendly and often more flavorful outcome. However, dried beans require pre-soaking (either overnight or using a quick soak method) and will need a longer cooking time in the slow cooker. Refer to the recipe notes for specific directions on how to prepare and cook dried beans effectively, or check out our guide on how to easily pressure cook dried beans.
This savory, saucy dish practically begs for a good side of carbs to soak up its rich flavors. Enjoy your calico beans with soft, flaky biscuits, a warm slice of fresh sourdough bread, or a hearty cornbread. For a lighter touch, a fresh crisp salad like this kale salad with creamy tahini dressing or a colorful cowboy salad makes a fantastic accompaniment.
Leftover slow cooker calico beans are fantastic and often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These beans also freeze beautifully for longer storage.
Explore More Slow Cooked Comfort:
- Swiss Steak in Crock Pot
- Dr Pepper Ham
- Pinto Bean Crock Pot with Bacon
- Crock Pot Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
If you tried this slow cooker calico bean recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks for visiting!
Slow Cooker Calico Beans
By Renae Gerhardstein
Rated 5 out of 5 stars based on 2 votes.
Slow cooker calico beans are the perfect hearty meal for dinner, potlucks, or BBQs! This dump-and-go crock pot beans recipe is easy and flavorful.
Pin Recipe
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Calories: 394 kcal
Equipment
- crock pot (slow cooker)
- skillet
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, thickly cut, diced; (swap with turkey bacon or omit entirely for a vegetarian version)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 ground hamburger recommended)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed; (substitute with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar if desired)
- 2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
- 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 can (15 ounces) pork and beans
- 1 can (15 ounces) butter (lima) beans, drained; (see notes for substitutions)
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained; (see notes for substitutions)
- 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, drained; (see notes for substitutions)
- 1-2 cups water
Instructions
- Cook the diced bacon, ground beef, and chopped onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the ground beef is no longer pink, the bacon is crispy, and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the beef mixture to the crockpot. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Add the drained canned beans (pork and beans, butter/lima beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans) and 1-2 cups of water. Stir until well mixed. Optionally, cover the top with a few strips of uncooked bacon and drizzle with BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened.
- Before serving, garnish the calico beans with crispy bacon bits, French fried onions, fresh green onions, or shredded cheese as desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Using Dried Beans: For a budget-friendly option, use 1/2 cup of dry beans for every 15-ounce can of beans called for in the recipe. Make sure to soak dried beans overnight or use a quick soak method according to package directions. When using dried beans, add an additional 2-3 hours of cook time to the preferred slow cooker time (e.g., 8-10 hours on low) and include an extra 1-2 cups of water or broth to ensure they cook through.
- Bean Substitutions: Feel free to substitute garbanzo, lima (butter), or kidney beans with other varieties like black beans, pinto beans, or navy beans based on preference or availability.
- Meal Prep Tip: For quick and easy “dump-and-go” meals, prepare a large batch of ground beef in advance. Cook and drain 5 pounds of ground beef, then divide it into 5 small freezer bags. Freeze and pull out a bag as needed for recipes like this.
Recipe Variations:
- One-Pot Meal: Add fresh-cut or frozen vegetables like green beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking to turn this into a complete meal.
- Extra Meaty: Swap ground beef for ground pork sausage to give the dish an even richer and bolder savory taste.
- Leaner Protein: Use turkey bacon and/or ground turkey instead of regular bacon and beef for a lighter version. Since turkey is leaner, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil when sautéing the onions to prevent sticking.
- Vegetarian: Simply omit the bacon and ground meat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil when sautéing the onion to enhance flavors, and consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
- BBQ Flavor: Replace some or all of the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for an even tangier, smokier taste.
- Boost Smokiness: Stir in 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke during the final hour of cooking for an intensified smoky kick.
- Richer Sweetness: Add 1 tablespoon of molasses to give the beans a deeper, sweeter, and slightly caramelized flavor.
Storing Instructions:
- Leftovers store wonderfully! Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These beans also freeze well for up to 3 months.