Best 2 Cowboy Calico Beans Recipes

**Cowboy Calico Beans: A Flavorful and Versatile Dish to Delight Your Taste Buds**

Indulge in the savory goodness of Cowboy Calico Beans, a hearty and versatile dish that combines the rustic charm of the Wild West with the convenience of modern cooking. This delectable one-pot meal is a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors, featuring an array of beans, vegetables, and spices simmered together in a rich and flavorful broth. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress with its ease of preparation and the delicious results it delivers. From classic baked beans to zesty chili and hearty bean salads, this article offers a collection of recipes that showcase the versatility of Cowboy Calico Beans. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

COWBOY CALICO BEANS

Cowboy Calico Beans image

This is a tradition at the table when my girlfriends and I go up north for a girls' weekend. The husbands and kids are left at home, but the slow cooker comes with us! -Julie Butsch, Hartland, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 4h30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 large sweet onion, chopped
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 can (16 ounces) butter beans, drained
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) pork and beans
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) lima beans, rinsed and drained

Steps:

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain., Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker. Combine the brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar and mustard; add to meat mixture. Stir in the beans. Cover and cook on low until heated through, 4-5 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 326 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 808mg sodium, Carbohydrate 52g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 10g fiber), Protein 22g protein.

THE BEST COWBOY-CALICO BEANS

The Best Cowboy-Calico Beans image

These are the BEST! I've been making this recipe for over 20 years now, and it's always a HIT with my family and friends! Great for BBQ's, potlucks, camping etc. Can be made in the oven or in the crockpot, and it freezes and reheats well.

Provided by BecR2400

Categories Beans

Time 1h20m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1/2 lb ground beef (round or sirloin)
4 slices bacon, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 (16 ounce) cans pork and beans, undrained
1 (16 ounce) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup catsup
1/4 cup barbecue sauce (I use Hunt's original or hickory)
2 tablespoons molasses
2 teaspoons dry mustard (Coleman's)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper (do not add any salt)
1/2-1 teaspoon chili powder, to taste

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Brown beef, bacon and onion in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium heat.
Add beans and remaining ingredients, stirring to combine.
Pour into two (1 1/2- quart each) buttered baking dishes.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until beans reach desired thickness (do not stir---a nice chewy, crispy crust will form, which is my favorite part--yum!).
Alternatively, place in a buttered crock pot and heat on low for about 4 hours, uncover during the last hour of cooking if you like your beans thick.
Freezes/reheats well.

Tips:

Choosing the right beans is crucial for the perfect cowboy calico beans. Pinto beans are the traditional choice, but you can also experiment with other varieties like kidney beans or black beans.
Soaking the beans overnight or for at least 8 hours helps reduce cooking time and improves their texture. If you're short on time, a quick soak method involves boiling the beans for 2-3 minutes, removing them from heat, and letting them sit for an hour before draining and rinsing.
To save time, use canned beans. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the pot.
Don't skip the bacon or sausage; they add a delicious smoky flavor to the beans. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable broth or smoked paprika for a similar effect.
The type of tomato you use can greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are ideal, but you can also use canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce.
Seasoning is key to creating a flavorful dish. Use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic, onion, chili powder, and cumin for a classic cowboy calico beans flavor profile. You can also add other spices like cayenne pepper or paprika for a bit of heat.
Simmering the beans for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld and develop. The longer you simmer them, the more flavorful they will become.
Serve cowboy calico beans with a variety of sides like cornbread, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

Cowboy calico beans are a classic American dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor. With its combination of beans, bacon or sausage, tomatoes, and spices, it's a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's get cooking!