I’ll bet you know this main dish by another name – my Mom’s recipe says Calico Beans.
2 lbs. hamburger
1 large onion
Brown together in large crockpot. Dump out and drain.
Put hamburger and onion back into crockpot and add beans:
I used 1 large Bush beans, original
1 regular can Bush pinto beans, southwestern style
1 can light red kidney beans
Stir together and add:
1/2 c. brown sugar
dash of vinegar
big squirt of ketchup
big squirt of mustard
Cook on low in crockpot for an hour? Whenever it’s good and hot, you’re ready to eat. Haha!
Calico beans can be whatever beans you want to use. Sometimes I cut up jalapeño/cheddar sausages to add. Bacon is good, too. Empty your meat drawer of whatever leftovers you have – leftover pork chops – cut up and add. Rick would eat this every single week – why don’t I remember this when I can’t think of what to make for supper?????
I have a recipe like that – so good! Thanks for sharing it.
My mom always called them “hobo Beans”. I haven’t made them in a while but now you’ve made me hungry for them. Thanks.
This is one of my favorites, I am with Rick – I could eat this every week and makes fabulous leftovers! Any beans work and the recipe that my mom made added green beans and yellow beans as well. It is also one of my ‘go-to’ recipes for potlucks since it so easy and travels well.
I call this Cowboy Beans and yes it is wonderful. I agree with Rick. Paula in KY
Sounds wonderful, my husband will love it.
Toot, toot Mary,
Would be good today as it’s 16o up here this morning! Haven’t made them in a while. Thanks for reminding me!
Thanks for the recipe, Mary! I haven’t made these in ages but it sounds so good on a cold, rainy morning. I love meals like this–things to put in the crockpot on a busy day. No fussing.
Would there be a chance to obtain the Witches Gathering book or pattern for purchase? It is adorable As seen on instagram.
Oops. Great recipe ; I will try to ask my question again more appropriately.
I would also be interested in obtaining the Witches Gathering book or pattern. If in one of your books, can you tell me which one? Thanks
Witches Gathering is a pattern only and can be ordered for $10 plus $1.50 postage.
Never thought of putting other meats in the dish! Thanks for the suggestion!
Great to be reminded of that great recipe. You gave me an idea. I have some pork loin that I over cooked, I will use your idea and put it in the beans, then the pork won’t be dry.
Love that! Also, really do love my crockpot! The house smells like my grandmother is in the kitchen and I can sew!
Oh Mary laughing at myself…glad you posted recipe before I got to store looking for dried calico beans. Your family recipes very similar to what I do simply named meat & beans. Also make a recipe we call Police beans. Reason for name is I always make opening weekend of deer season for son & friends ( all were police officers at on time). I don’t make very often as makes a big pot of beans.
1cans(15 oz ) Wolf Brand Chili (no beans)
1 can Fiesta corn (drained)
1 can Rotel tomatoes (juice & all as spicy as you like)
1can black beans (drained & rinsed)
1 can Navy beans
1 can pork & beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can kidney beans
1 onion-diced
1 jalapeño pepper-sliced (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Dump all in dutchoven or crockpot…heat until hot
Before serving stir in 4 to 8 oz of diced velvets cheese until melted and 1 tablespoon or to taste chopped cilantro (optional)
Hate autocorrect…Velveeta cheese or cheese of choice
Can also use chili brand of choice..
Love that recipe. Any recipe that adds a squirt or a squeeze has got to be good.
Only 3 ads this morning. I’ll check later for more.
I have that recipe, too. Do you have the sauerkraut one? It is also a great recipe:) The ad people must be right on target as to what you post because they offered me duck recipes today!! I had 4 ads to close.
We are going to be 77 degrees or more today and 58 tomorrow. Darn.
Thanks, Mary, your blog is great:)
I make Calico Beans very similar to yours from a recipe in an Amish cookbook. We love them too. My recipe says to bake them 2 hrs in the oven. Think I’ll try the crock pot next time.
Closed 4 ads.
Cowboy Dinner!