Calico Beans

Look, I realize this is pictured with a brat, which makes you miss summer before we have even reached winter, but this is the side that can go with just about anything and will make the perfect, somewhat unique, side dish for Thanksgiving!

This has been a staple for our family gatherings for as long as I can remember. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, birthdays, summer potlucks, you name it, and this has made an appearance. I also have yet to meet someone who doesn’t like it…

Bonus, it keeps great in a crock pot so you can easily travel with it!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 to 1 lb. hamburger (I used the whole pound since I wasn’t sure what to do with the other half, but technically, 1/2 lb. is plenty!)

• 1/2 lb. of center cut bacon (Again, I just used the whole package since I didn’t have a plan for the rest.)

• 1 onion- chopped

• 1 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 Tbsp mustard (I used sweet and spicy mustard, but regular is just as good.)

• 1/2 c. ketchup

• 2 Tbsp vinegar

• 3/4 c brown sugar

• 1 can butter beans (drained and rinsed)

• 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

• 2 cans, or 1 large can of baked beans (drained)

Instructions:

• I like to use a big pot for this so I don’t have to dirty multiple pans.

• Cut the bacon into 1 inch pieces and fry in a large pot at medium heat. Removing from the pot when it is starting to crisp. Set aside.

• Depending on the fat level of your bacon, you may need to drain some of the grease from the pot before adding the onion, or you may need to add a little bit of oil. Add chopped onion and fry until tender.

• Add hamburger to the onion mixture and brown. Add salt when meat is about half-way cooked.

• Stir in vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup and mustard.

• Add all beans and heat thoroughly.

• Once beans are hot, return bacon to the pot and stir it together.

• Serve immediately, or move to a crock pot to keep warm!