Calico Beans

Calico Beans have been a family favorite for three generations and each cook adds their own variation depending on the ingredients on hand. It works as a main dish or a side dish. This Recipe can easily be halved or freeze the leftovers, it re-heats well.

1/2 pound of bacon (cooked crisp and crumbled) 1 to 2 pounds of ground beef, 1 large onion (chopped), 1 stalk of celery (diced), 1 carrot (shredded opt.), 2 cans (13 oz.) pork and beans, 2 cans kidney beans, 2 cans butter beans, 2 cans pinto beans, 1 cup ketchup, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1/4 to 3/4 cup brown sugar, 3 teaspoons vinegar

Fry the above ingredients and drain well then add pork and beans, kidney beans, butter beans, pinto beans, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar and vinegar Cook on low for at least an hour or bake in the over at 350 degrees for 3 to 4 hours. It also can be cooked in your crock pot if you desire. The longer you cook on low the better the flavor.

Lynette McLane