Slow Cooker Calico Beans a Comfort Food Classic

Recipe Introduction

Ever feel like you need a hug in a bowl? Then slow cooker calico beans are for you! This is proper comfort food.

It is like a warm blanket on a chilly evening.

A Bit About This Classic

Calico beans are a mix of different beans, meat, and a sweet and tangy sauce. Think American potluck staple! It is proper family friendly fayre.

This recipe is super easy. Prep takes about 20 minutes. The slow cooker does the rest in 6 to 8 hours.

This recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings. Perfect for sharing!

Why You'll Love These Beans

One of the best things? Slow cooker calico beans are packed with fiber and protein. It'll keep you full for ages.

Serve at a BBQ, potluck, or just a cosy night in. This recipe is special. The smoked paprika gives it a real depth of flavour.

Honestly, it's bloomin' delicious.

Okay, right then, let's get this bake off started! It will be the most comforting hug in a bowl! These calico beans should give our slow cooker calico beans recipe a leg up in the search rankings, just like a perfectly risen Victoria Sponge.

Ready to get started? Let's chat ingredients...

Ingredients & Equipment

Okay, right then, let's get this bake off started! Seriously though, making slow cooker calico beans is dead easy. You barely need any fancy gear.

This recipe is all about those hearty, comforting flavours. It is the ultimate comfort food recipes .

Main Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Calico Beans

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef. Lean is best, you know?
• 8 ounces (225g) bacon, chopped. Streaky bacon adds proper flavour!
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup).
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Finely!
• One can (15 ounce/425g) each of cannellini, kidney, butter, and pinto beans. Rinse them well !
• One can (15 ounce/425g) baked beans in tomato sauce. Heinz is the classic choice, innit?
• One can (15 ounce/425g) tomato sauce.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) brown sugar, packed.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. This is key for that smoky flavour!
• Salt and pepper to taste.

For a really good " Crockpot calico beans with ground beef ," the quality of your beef matters. Get the best you can afford.

Ground beef is such a versatile ingredient, perfect for a hearty bean recipe . Don't be shy with the bacon either!

Seasoning Notes: Get the Flavours Right!

Smoked paprika is a game changer. Honestly, don't skip it! It gives that slow cooker calico beans that lovely smoky depth.

If you don't have dry mustard, a bit of Dijon will do in a pinch. Worcestershire sauce adds a lovely umami kick.

Equipment Needed for Easy Calico Beans

• Large skillet. For browning the meat.
• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger). Obviously! For making the ultimate slow cooker potluck recipes .
• Can opener. Essential!
• Measuring cups and spoons. For accuracy.
• Wooden spoon or spatula. To stir it all together.

Don't have a proper measuring cup? Use a mug! It won't be exact, but it'll be close enough for this " easy calico beans " recipe.

Slow cooker bean recipes are very easy to make. A Bean stew recipe like this one is perfect for a chilly day.

Right, that's it for ingredients and kit. Next up, we're actually going to make these slow cooker calico beans !

Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Calico Beans - Easy Does It!

Okay, right then, let's get this bake off started! We're diving into the delicious world of slow cooker calico beans .

It's proper comfort food, innit? I'm talking about that warm, hearty, soul satisfying kinda meal. Slow cooker bean recipes are my go-to when I want something scrummy without slaving away in the kitchen all day.

Honestly, this easy calico beans recipe is basically foolproof. Think a bean stew recipe but even simpler!

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row!

First things first: essential mise en place . Chop your onion, mince your garlic, and crumble your 1 pound (450g) ground beef .

Dice your 8 ounces (225g) bacon . Open all those cans of beans. You know, cannellini, kidney, butter and pinto! Trust me, a bit of prep saves a whole load of faff later.

For time saving organization tips , I sometimes prep all the veggies the night before. Store them in the fridge, ready to go.

That makes it even faster in the morning. Smoked paprika bean recipe this one!

step-by-step Process: Dead Easy, Promise!

1. Brown the beef and bacon in a skillet. Drain off any excess grease. You don't want it swimming in fat!
2. Sauté the chopped onion until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook 'til fragrant. About a minute.
3. Transfer the meat, bacon, onion, and garlic to your slow cooker.
4. Add all the beans, tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and smoked paprika.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir.
6. Cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or high for 3- 4 hours .

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Bean Game!

Don't skip browning the meat and bacon! It adds a depth of flavour you won't get otherwise. Seriously, it makes a world of difference.

Common mistakes to avoid? Forgetting to drain your beans! You don't want extra liquid in there. Also, taste and adjust the seasoning at the end.

A pinch more salt or a dash of vinegar can really brighten things up. We call this a hearty bean recipe for a reason!

You can totally make-ahead options . Prep the whole thing the night before and keep it in the fridge. Then, just chuck it in the crockpot calico beans with ground beef in the morning! It's a lifesaver for busy weeknights.

It is also a great Slow cooker potluck recipes to take to events! I hope this inspires you to join the calico beans recipe bake off!

Recipe Notes

Okay, right then, let's get this bake off started! We're diving into the nitty gritty of slow cooker calico beans . Here's a list of handy tips and tricks to elevate your calico beans recipe , making them the star of any potluck.

Honestly, this is the stuff I wish I knew the first time I made them.

Serving Up Success

Thinking about how to serve your hearty bean recipe ? Plating and presentation ideas are crucial. A simple dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can make all the difference.

I love serving my slow cooker potluck recipes alongside some fluffy cornbread. It's a match made in heaven! Coleslaw also adds a nice, cool contrast to the rich beans.

A grilled cheese on the side makes it an ultimate comfort food recipes .

Smart Storage Solutions

Got leftovers? No worries! Refrigeration guidelines are simple: Let the three bean casserole slow cooker cool completely. Then, pop it into an airtight container.

It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freezing options are also available. Portion into freezer safe bags or containers. This way you have them whenever you fancy! Label them with the date.

They will last up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

Easy peasy.

Tweaking Your Beans

Want to shake things up? Let’s look at Variations for our recipe. For a dietary adaptation: Ditch the meat for a vegetarian bean stew recipe .

Add extra veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. For a seasonal ingredient swap : In autumn, add some roasted butternut squash for extra sweetness.

Goodness Inside

Nutrition basics are essential. This slow cooker calico beans recipe is packed with fibre and protein. It's a great source of energy.

Simplified nutrition information indicates it’s also fairly high in sugar. A little goes a long way!. The key health benefits are centered on the high fiber, promoting gut health and sustained energy.

So, there you have it. All the insider tips to make your slow cooker calico beans the best ever. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavours and enjoy the process.

Get your crockpot calico beans with ground beef prepared for your dinner party today!