Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these mouthwatering Baked Calico Beans! This classic American dish is the ultimate comfort food that promises to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned beans slow-cooked to perfection, creating a rich, flavorful side dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or looking for a delicious accompaniment to your main course, these slow cooker baked beans are about to become your new favorite recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried calico beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Rinse the dried calico beans thoroughly under cold running water, carefully removing any small stones or debris.
- Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Allow the beans to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften and reduce cooking time.
- After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again to remove any excess starch.
- Dice the onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the dish.
- In the slow cooker, combine the soaked calico beans, diced onion, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour 4 cups of water over the bean mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and the beans are fully submerged.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat for 6 hours, allowing the beans to cook slowly and develop rich, deep flavors.
- Stir the beans occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Check the beans for tenderness after 5-6 hours. If needed, add more water to prevent drying out.
- Once beans are tender and sauce has thickened, turn off the slow cooker and let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnished with optional chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Soaking is crucial: Always soak your dried beans overnight to ensure even cooking and reduce cooking time.
- Check bean freshness: Make sure your dried beans are relatively new, as older beans can take much longer to soften.
- Water is key: Keep an eye on the liquid level during cooking. Add more water if the beans look too dry to prevent burning.
- Low and slow is the secret: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop fully.
- Customize your flavor: Feel free to add crispy bacon bits, a splash of barbecue sauce, or a dash of hot sauce to make the recipe your own.
- Storage tip: These beans taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a big batch and enjoy leftovers!
- Serving suggestion: Pair with grilled meats, cornbread, or as a hearty side dish for your next barbecue or potluck.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
