My Mom’s Famous Calico Beans

For 6 servings, My Mom’s Famous Calico Beans keeps the list centered on bacon, chopped onion and ketchup. Set aside about 70 minutes.

• Yield 6 servings
• Ready in 70 minutes
• Prep 15 minutes
• Cook 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) can red pinto beans
• 1 (15-ounce) can white kidney/cannellini beans
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans
• 8 ounces bacon (chopped)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon apple cider or red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup water or low-sodium broth
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, helps thicken the sauce a bit)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish (see note).
2. Drain and rinse all the beans (go ahead and throw them all together in one colander) and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 teaspoon grease in the skillet.
4. Add the onion to the skillet over medium heat and cook until softened, 4-5 minutes. Off the heat, add the beans and bacon.
5. In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire, dry mustard, sugar, salt, vinegar, water (or broth) and cornstarch, if using, and whisk to combine thoroughly. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well.
6. Scrape the entire mixture into the prepared baking pan. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45-60 minutes. Serve immediately.

Give it a minute off the heat, then serve it while it is still hot.