The Easiest Calico Bean Casserole Recipe

Okay, let’s dive into making a family-favorite that brings joy to my kitchen: a Calico Bean Casserole Recipe! It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, nutritious, and fuss-free meal. I’m thrilled to share how this recipe has become a staple in my home, and how it can become a sanity-saving solution for yours!

I still remember the first time I made this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe. It was one of those chaotic weeks, you know? Kids had soccer practice, school projects were due, and I was juggling work deadlines. I was desperate for a meal that was both nutritious and easy to throw together. A friend suggested trying a Calico Bean Casserole Recipe for a quick dinner.

I was a bit skeptical at first. I mean, could a Calico Bean Casserole Recipe really be that good? But I decided to give it a try. The result was a total surprise! The kids devoured it, and my husband even asked for seconds. It was the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying. What made this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe a nutrition win for us was the hearty combination of different beans, providing a good source of plant-based protein and fiber.

Since that first time, this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe has become a regular in our rotation. I’ve tweaked it here and there to fit our preferences, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to make it even easier and more nutritious. It’s a comfort food classic with a healthy twist. It really is an easy baked bean casserole.

This Calico Bean Casserole Recipe supports my family’s nutrition by providing a good source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. The variety of beans ensures a diverse range of nutrients, which is important for overall health. Plus, it’s a great way to get the kids to eat their veggies without a fight!

The journey with this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe has been all about finding ways to make nutritious meals accessible and enjoyable for my family, and I can’t wait to share some of my discoveries with you. I think you will find this a simple five bean casserole recipe, a great bean pot recipe that is going to be your go to southern bean casserole.

So, fellow busy moms seeking simple nutrition solutions, are you ready to add this nourishing Calico Bean Casserole Recipe to your menu? Let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Okay, let’s gather the ingredients for this simple Calico Bean Casserole Recipe. Don’t worry, it’s a breeze!

1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can pork and beans, undrained
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional, but highly recommended!)

Trust me, this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store.

Ingredients for making Calico Bean Casserole including beans, onion, green pepper, and spices.

No worries if you don’t have molasses – I use a tablespoon of maple syrup for extra nutrients in my Calico Bean Casserole Recipe. The sweetness is perfect and the kids can’t tell the difference! My family gets extra nutrition when I add a can of diced tomatoes (drained) to this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe. It’s a simple way to sneak in some extra veggies and vitamins.

For a budget-friendly option, you can use dried beans instead of canned. Just remember to soak them overnight and cook them before adding them to this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe. This Calico Bean Casserole Recipe proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive.

For ingredient prep shortcuts, I often chop the onion and green bell pepper in advance and store them in the fridge. It saves time when I’m ready to assemble the Calico Bean Casserole Recipe. The combination of beans provides a good source of protein and fiber, while the onion and green bell pepper add vitamins and antioxidants. The bacon, while optional, adds a delicious smoky flavor and some extra protein.

Here’s a Calico Bean Casserole Recipe nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: I’ve started adding a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. The kids don’t even notice!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here are the simple steps to making this delicious Calico Bean Casserole Recipe.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Calico Bean Casserole Recipe usually takes about an hour from start to finish, including prep time!
In a large bowl, combine the kidney beans, pinto beans, great northern beans, butter beans, and pork and beans. Stir well to combine. Don’t worry if your Calico Bean Casserole Recipe looks a little messy at this point – it will all come together in the oven!
Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch while stirring!
Pour the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
If using, sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon over the top of this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe. I highly recommend the bacon – it adds so much flavor!
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps to keep the beans moist and prevent them from drying out.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe is bubbly and slightly browned on top. Your Calico Bean Casserole Recipe should smell nourishing by now!
Let this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe cool for a few minutes before serving.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Calico Bean Casserole Recipe – I would sometimes forget to grease the baking dish, and the beans would stick to the bottom! Now, I always make sure to grease it well, and it makes cleanup so much easier.

While your Calico Bean Casserole Recipe is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! The easy bean casserole will be on the table in no time.

This Calico Bean Casserole Recipe is great for meal prepping. I often double the batch and freeze half for a future meal. It’s such a time-saver on busy weeknights!

How We Love to Eat This!

Now that you’ve made this amazing Calico Bean Casserole Recipe, let’s talk about how to serve it!

The kids devour this nutritious Calico Bean Casserole Recipe when I serve it with cornbread and a side of coleslaw. It’s a classic combination that everyone loves! This Calico Bean Casserole Recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! It also makes a great dish to bring to potlucks or family gatherings. Everyone always raves about it!

I like to garnish this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. It makes it look extra appealing! For a fun twist, try serving this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins. It’s a great way to make it feel a little more special.

We often have leftovers, which are just as delicious the next day! I like to use the leftover Calico Bean Casserole Recipe in tacos or burritos. It’s a great way to add some extra protein and fiber to our meals.

In the summertime, I like to add some grilled corn to this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe. It adds a delicious smoky flavor and some extra sweetness.

I served this nutritious Calico Bean Casserole Recipe to a friend who is a vegetarian, and she was so impressed! She said it was one of the most flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dishes she had ever had. The secret to this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe’s success is the combination of different beans and the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.

This nutritious Calico Bean Casserole Recipe reminds me of another family-healthy favorite, my Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for that too!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you probably have some questions about this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe, so let’s get to them!

Is this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! This Calico Bean Casserole Recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a great way to fuel your kids’ bodies and keep them feeling full and satisfied.

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Calico Bean Casserole Recipe?

I get it – picky eaters can be a challenge! Try serving a small portion of this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe alongside some of their favorite foods. You can also try pureeing a small amount of the casserole and mixing it into their mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.

Can I meal prep this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe for busy weeks ahead?

Yes, definitely! This Calico Bean Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Can I make this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Simply combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Is there a substitute for brown sugar in this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe?

You can use maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar in this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe.

Can I add meat to this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe?

Yes, you can! Ground beef, sausage, or ham would all be delicious additions to this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out my White Bean Soup recipe!

Is this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free.

I received a reader question recently asking about adapting this for dietary restrictions, which is why I have included several options.

Find another great Calico Beans Recipe

Final Thoughts:

I hope you and your family enjoy this simple and nutritious Calico Bean Casserole Recipe as much as we do! It’s a dinnertime nutrition win that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Here are my Calico Bean Casserole Recipe Nutrition Hacks:

Add a can of diced tomatoes for extra veggies and vitamins.
Stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds for added fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Use maple syrup instead of molasses for a more natural sweetener.

Here are some family-tested healthy Calico Bean Casserole Recipe variations:

Spicy Calico Bean Casserole Recipe: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Smoky Calico Bean Casserole Recipe: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a smoky flavor.
Vegetarian Calico Bean Casserole Recipe: Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version.

My son loves the spicy version, while my daughter prefers the classic recipe. My husband enjoys the smoky version.

Remember, the most important thing is to make this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe your own and adjust it to fit your family’s preferences. I encourage you to make it your own healthy way.

I hope this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe brings you many dinnertime nutrition wins! I’m here to support you on your journey to simple nutrition success.

I know firsthand the challenges of feeding a family well, but I also know that it’s possible to create simple, nourishing meals that everyone will enjoy.

So, go ahead and give this Calico Bean Casserole Recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy the delicious, nutritious chaos!

Calico Bean Casserole fresh from the oven

Find a recipe for My Southern Ground Beef and Baked Beans Casserole is a hearty … for even more ideas. Checkout these Crockpot baked bean recipes for a potluck. For yet another great recipe see my Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe.

This recipe is definitely a southern bean casserole.

Calico Bean Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

This Calico Bean Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for potlucks or family dinners. It combines a variety of beans in a sweet and savory sauce, baked to bubbly perfection.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can butter beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can pork and beans, undrained
1/2 cup chopped bacon, cooked
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine kidney beans, butter beans, great northern beans, and pork and beans.
Stir in cooked bacon and chopped onion.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour the sauce over the bean mixture and stir to combine.
Pour the bean mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of molasses to the sauce. Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.