If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor, Slow Cooker Calico Beans are the perfect choice. This recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. Even picky eaters love it! With a mix of beans, ground beef, bacon, and a sweet-and-tangy sauce, this dish feels like a big hug in a bowl.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing a potluck dish, or just want an easy weeknight dinner, Calico Beans are always a hit. And because it cooks low and slow, the flavors blend together beautifully without you needing to stand in the kitchen all day.
⭐ What Are Calico Beans?
The name “Calico” comes from the variety of colors in the dish—just like a calico quilt.
This recipe usually includes three or more types of beans, mixed with meat and a delicious sauce made from brown sugar, mustard, and barbecue flavors.
It’s like baked beans, chili, and a hearty stew all in one!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy: Just brown the meat, dump everything in the slow cooker, and walk away.
- Perfect for Potlucks: Feeds a crowd and tastes even better after sitting.
- Budget-Friendly: Beans make this meal affordable and filling.
- Kid-Friendly: Sweet, smoky, and mild—kids love the flavor.
- Versatile: Serve it alone, over rice, with cornbread, or beside grilled meat.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Meats:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6–8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
Beans (drained except pork and beans):
- 1 can pork and beans (15 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz)
- 1 can pinto beans (15 oz)
- (Optional) 1 can butter beans or black beans for extra “calico” colors
Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
🍳 How to Make Slow Cooker Calico Beans
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Cook the ground beef and onion in a skillet until the beef is browned. Drain extra grease.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Place the ground beef mixture, cooked bacon, and all the beans into your slow cooker.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar.
Pour this over the meat and beans.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cook on:
- LOW for 4–6 hours, or
- HIGH for 2–3 hours
Stir before serving and taste for seasoning.
🍽️ How to Serve Calico Beans
This dish is incredibly flexible. You can serve it:
- In a bowl with a spoon
- Over white rice or brown rice
- With cornbread or dinner rolls
- As a side dish for burgers, BBQ chicken, or grilled sausages
- In a lunchbox (it reheats beautifully!)
It’s also AMAZING the next day because the flavors get richer overnight.
🔄 Recipe Variations
Want to make it your own? Try these ideas:
✔ Spicy Version
Add chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
✔ Sweet & Smoky Version
Use hickory barbecue sauce instead of ketchup.
✔ Healthier Version
Swap ground beef for ground turkey.
Use turkey bacon.
Use low-sugar ketchup.
✔ Vegetarian Version
Skip the meat and add 1 extra can of beans + ½ cup diced bell peppers.
🧊 How to Store and Freeze
Store:
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze:
Place in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without bacon?
Yes! It will still taste great, though bacon adds smokiness.
Can I cook it on the stovetop?
Absolutely. Simmer everything together for 30–40 minutes.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes—this is an excellent make-ahead recipe.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Calico Beans are the perfect mix of cozy, simple, and delicious. With colorful beans, tender meat, and a sweet-and-savory sauce, this dish feels homemade, comforting, and special every time you make it.
It’s a recipe your family will ask for again and again—and you’ll love making it because it’s so EASY.