🍲 Amish Calico Beans
A hearty, comforting bean dish with a mix of beans, savory meat, and a sweet-savory sauce — classic Amish comfort food.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 1 cup dried kidney beans
- 1 cup dried navy beans
- 1 cup dried pinto beans
- 1 lb (450 g) bacon, diced or ½ lb ham, cubed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4–5 cups water (or enough to cover beans)
- Optional: 1–2 tsp molasses for deeper flavor
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep beans
- Sort and rinse beans.
- Soak overnight or do a quick soak: cover beans with water, boil 2 minutes, then let sit 1 hour. Drain.
2️⃣ Cook base
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon or ham over medium heat until browned.
- Add onions (and bell pepper if using) and sauté until soft.
3️⃣ Combine ingredients
- Add soaked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, pepper, and enough water to cover beans by 1–2 inches.
4️⃣ Simmer or bake
Stovetop:
- Simmer on low for 2–3 hours until beans are tender and sauce thickened, stirring occasionally.
Oven (Baked Beans Style):
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Cover pot and bake 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and flavorful.
5️⃣ Serve
- Serve hot as a side or main dish. Excellent with cornbread or fresh rolls.
🌿 Tips & Variations
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end for a tangy kick.
- Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness.
- Use smoked bacon or ham for a richer, smokier flavor.
- Can make in a slow cooker: combine all ingredients and cook LOW 6–8 hours.
I can also provide:
- Slow cooker Amish Calico Beans
- Sweet & smoky Calico Beans with molasses
- Vegetarian version without bacon/ham
Do you want one of these versions?
