Crockpot Recipes

January 12, 2026

Crock Pot Calico Beans: 7 Hearty Flavors to Savor

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Difficulty Easy

Recipe by

Mia

140 Views • 9 min read

Crock Pot Calico Beans: 7 Hearty Flavors to Savor

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for Crock Pot Calico Beans! This dish is like a warm hug in a bowl—hearty, flavorful, and so satisfying. I mean, who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day? The combination of beans, meats, and spices creates a rich tapestry of flavors that just gets better with time.

It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner; everyone always goes back for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, it’s so easy to throw together! Just imagine coming home to the smell of this deliciousness wafting through your house. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!

Ingredients

1 cup kidney beans, soaked overnight for a creamy texture
1 cup pinto beans, soaked overnight to enhance flavor
1 cup black beans, soaked overnight for added heartiness
1 pound ground beef, browned for a savory base
1 pound bacon, chopped and cooked until crispy for that smoky goodness
1 onion, chopped finely to add sweetness
1 bell pepper, chopped for a pop of color and crunch
2 cups diced tomatoes, with juice for a juicy, tangy kick
1/2 cup barbecue sauce, for a sweet and tangy flavor
1/4 cup brown sugar, to balance the savory elements
2 tablespoons mustard, for a little tang
1 teaspoon garlic powder, because garlic makes everything better
1 teaspoon chili powder, for a hint of heat
Salt and pepper to taste, to make all the flavors pop

How to Prepare Crock Pot Calico Beans

Getting started on these Crock Pot Calico Beans is super simple! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you after a long day!

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

First things first, let’s make that bacon! Chop it into small pieces and toss it into a skillet over medium heat. Cook it until it’s nice and crispy—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s golden and smelling heavenly, remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel. Don’t forget to drain off the excess fat left in the pan; this will help keep your dish a bit healthier and prevent it from being too greasy!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next up, we’ll brown the ground beef in the same skillet. Add the beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want it to be browned all over, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once it’s cooked through, carefully drain any excess fat. This is key to keeping the flavors balanced and not making it too oily!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Now, let’s add some flavor! Toss the chopped onion and bell pepper into the skillet with the remaining drippings. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re softened and starting to smell amazing. This step really brings out the sweetness in the veggies!

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Time to layer everything in the crock pot! Start with the soaked beans, then add in the crispy bacon, the browned beef, sautéed veggies, diced tomatoes, and all those delicious sauces and spices. Gently stir everything together to make sure it’s well mixed—this is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Cook on Low

Finally, cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking is what makes the beans tender and allows all those flavors to meld beautifully. When you come home, the aroma will be incredible, and you’ll know you’ve made something special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and filling—perfect for satisfying appetites!
Rich, smoky flavors from the combination of bacon and beef.
Easy to make and requires minimal hands-on time—just set it and forget it!
Great for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings.
Customizable: you can easily adjust the spices and add more veggies to suit your taste.
The slow cooking process melds all the flavors beautifully, making every bite a delight.
Leftovers (if there are any!) are even better the next day, perfect for meal prep.
Gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy this hearty dish without worry!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Crock Pot Calico Beans turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some pro tips that I swear by:

Soaking the Beans: Don’t skip the overnight soaking! It not only helps the beans cook evenly but also makes them easier to digest. If you’re in a pinch, you can do a quick soak by boiling them for 2 minutes and then letting them sit for an hour.
Adjusting the Spice Level: If you like a little kick, feel free to add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños! Just be sure to start small and taste as you go—you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Layering Ingredients: When you’re adding everything to the crock pot, try to layer the ingredients as suggested. This helps with even cooking and ensures that all those flavors meld beautifully.
Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: I know it’s tempting to turn the heat up for a quicker meal, but low and slow is the way to go! Trust me, the longer cooking time allows those beans to soften and soak up all the delicious flavors.
Leftover Magic: If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), they’re even better the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and you’ll be treated to a flavor explosion for your next meal.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! You can add in corn, diced carrots, or even some chopped zucchini for extra veggies. Just be mindful of the total volume so you don’t overfill your crock pot.

With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making the best Crock Pot Calico Beans ever! Happy cooking!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your Crock Pot Calico Beans, the right sides can elevate this hearty dish to a whole new level! Here are some delicious accompaniments that I absolutely love:

Fresh Cornbread: There’s nothing like warm, buttery cornbread to scoop up those beans. It adds a lovely sweetness that balances the savory flavors perfectly!
Coleslaw: A refreshing, crunchy coleslaw is a fantastic contrast to the rich beans. The tanginess cuts through the heaviness and livens up the meal!
Rice or Quinoa: Serve your calico beans over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. It’s a great way to soak up all that delicious sauce and makes the dish even more filling.
Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette can help balance out the flavors. Plus, it adds some color to your plate!
Grilled Veggies: If you’re firing up the grill, some charred veggies like zucchini or bell peppers would be a great addition. They bring a smoky flavor that complements the beans beautifully!
Avocado Slices: Slices of creamy avocado on top can add a wonderful richness and creaminess. Plus, they’re super healthy!

Mix and match these sides to create a meal that’s not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor and texture. Trust me, your guests (and your family!) will be raving about it!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one serving of these delicious Crock Pot Calico Beans. Keep in mind that these are estimates based on typical ingredients and portion sizes, so your numbers may vary a bit:

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg

This hearty dish packs a good punch of protein and fiber, making it not only delicious but also quite satisfying. It’s perfect for those chilly nights or when you’re just craving something comforting and filling!

FAQ Section

Can I use canned beans instead of soaked beans?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use canned beans. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well. Add them in during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from getting mushy.

What if I don’t have barbecue sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with a mixture of ketchup and a little Worcestershire sauce for a similar sweet and tangy flavor. Or just use your favorite sauce—experimenting is part of the fun!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! You can swap the ground beef and bacon for plant-based alternatives, like crumbled tempeh or lentils, and it’ll still be delicious. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste!

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I recommend reheating them on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through!

Can I freeze Crock Pot Calico Beans?
Yes! These beans freeze wonderfully. Just let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for about 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I serve with Crock Pot Calico Beans?
Oh, there are so many options! Try serving them with cornbread, a fresh salad, or over rice. They also make a great filling for burritos or tacos!

Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your barbecue sauce is gluten-free, this dish fits the bill. Always check labels if you’re following a strict gluten-free diet.

Can I make this in a regular pot instead of a crock pot?
You can! Just simmer everything on low heat, covered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Just keep an eye on the liquid and stir occasionally!

What do you think?

Share your thoughts, tips, or variations on this recipe!

Crock Pot Calico Beans: 7 Hearty Flavors to Savor

Mia

Ingredients