Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef, preferably lean
  • 8 ounces (225g) bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) can baked beans in tomato sauce (like Heinz)
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) can 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
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and chopped bacon. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Transfer the cooked meat, bacon, onion, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
  4. Add the cannellini beans, kidney beans, butter beans, pinto beans, baked beans, tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and smoked paprika to the slow cooker.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
  7. Before serving, give it a good stir. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot. Enjoy your slow cooker calico beans!