Readers and Writers Recipes: Calico Beans
This flavorful recipe can be baked as casserole in the oven or cooked for a longer period of time in a slow cooker. Like last week’s Crab Appetizers, Calico Beans work well for a book club, readers’ group, or family pitch-in or cook-out. The addition of meat gives Calico Beans more protein and a rich flavor.
Calico Beans
Ingredients:
1/2-pound ground beef (ground turkey can be used)
1/4-pound bacon (turkey bacon can be used)
1 cup chopped onion.
1-pound can of kidney beans
1-pound can of pork and beans
1-pound can of lima beans, drained
1/2-cup ketchup
1/2-cup brown sugar
1-teaspoon salt
2-teaspoons vinegar
1-teaspoon dry mustard
Directions to make:
1-If baking in oven, preheat oven to 350º F.
2-Brown ground meat, bacon, and onions in a large pan coated with a vegetable spray like Pam.
3-Add remaining ingredients and stir until well-mixed.
4-If baking in oven, coat a large casserole dish with vegetable spray. Add bean mixture.
5-Cover casserole with lid (or aluminum foil) and bake for 40 minutes. Serve hot.
6-If using a slow cooker, place beans in cooker, cover, then cook for 3 hours on low.
Notes:
1-You can beat these beans for a cook-out. Serve with hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken from the grill or other cook-out favorites. They also make a nice addition to a meal.
2-If you have trouble finding 1-pound cans of beans (often they come in 10 to 15-ounce cans), you can always add an extra can of beans so the total amount equals 3-pounds (or 48-ounces).
Appearing Monday on Whimsical Words: a guest post from author, Rachael Ikins.
