Calico Beans, My Way

How would you describe Calico Beans to someone who didn't know what they are? Everyone makes them just a little bit differently, but basically they are all the same. Hamburger and Beans in a sauce. And they are good!

Most recipes for this (and probably the original) uses Lima Beans or Butter Beans. We don't care for them, so we don't use them. But if that is what you like, by all means use them. That's the beauty of this recipe. It's only a guide. As long as you use ingredients that are similar in consistency you are good to go.

2 lb. Ground beef
1 can Great Northern Beans
1 lb. Bacon, Cooked and Chopped into bite size pieces
1 cup Ketchup
2 cans Pork and Beans
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 can Chili Beans
1 tsp Old Hickory Smoke Salt
1 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 tsp Pepper Blend

Brown the ground beef and chopped onion and drain.
Add all ingredients to crock pot and cook on low heat for at least 4 hours.

I put the ingredients in the crock of the slow cooker on a Sunday night and stuck it in the refrigerator. Then I had Ron set it in the base when he went home for lunch the next afternoon and turn it on low. It cooked for about 5 hours. It was fantastic.

Now I know not everyone has Old Hickory Smoke Salt in their cupboard. You don't have to use it. Just use salt. Or don't use salt. Which ever you prefer.

I also use a Pepper Blend. The local grocery store should have some version of it if you would like to try it. It is just a blend of Black Pepper and dried Red and Green Peppers. We like it. It just adds an extra layer of flavor to what ever you put it in.

Try this and let me know what you think. Let me know what you sub in your own Calico Beans. Or send me your recipe to try if it is different than mine. You know me, never met a food experiment I didn't like!