Calico Beans

Calico Beans is a hearty, slow-cooked casserole or baked bean dish known for its colorful mix of beans, often including kidney, lima, and pork and beans. It typically features ground beef, bacon, onions, and a sweet-and-savory sauce made with brown sugar, vinegar, and ketchup or tomato sauce. This dish is a staple of American potlucks, picnics, and home cooking, especially in the Midwest and at gatherings like cookouts.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Calico Beans is a high-protein and high-fiber dish due to its multiple bean varieties and meat content, but it can also be high in fat and sugar from the bacon and sweet sauce. A typical 1-cup serving provides a good source of iron, potassium, and plant-based protein, with a calorie range of approximately 300-400 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	280 kcal
Protein	12 g
Carbs	40 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	10 g
Sugar	12 g
Sodium	580 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Magnesium	60 mg
Phosphorus	150 mg
Zinc	2.5 mg
Folate	120 mcg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.3 mg
Vitamin B6	0.4 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The name 'Calico' refers to the multicolored pattern of the beans, similar to calico fabric, making it visually appealing. Nutritionally, it's a unique example of combining different legumes to create a complete protein profile, a practice common in many cultures but presented here in a distinctly American comfort food style.