Calico Beans

This beef and bean recipe is simple and delicious. Not to mention it's frugal. I also love that it's full of protein. Oh, and it's colorful, too.

There, have I gushed about it enough? Let's get on to the recipe!


Here's what you need:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
2 cans baked beans, undrained (I use Eden Organic or Walnut Creek Organic, available at Publix)
1 can dark red kidney beans, drained
6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped (you can substitute real bacon bits)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce, your choice
1 TBSP balsamic vinegar
1/2 teas sea salt
1/2 teas black pepper

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and green pepper until the meat is no longer pink. Drain.

Mix in the remaining ingredients. Transfer to a baking dish and bake, covered, at 350 degrees for about an hour. Or just toss it all into a crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

See how pretty that is?