Heat a Skillet: Over medium heat, add the lean ground beef and chopped onion.
Cook Until Browned: Sauté until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is tender. Drain Excess Fat.
2. Cook the Bacon
Fry the Bacon: In a separate skillet, cook the bacon until crispy.
Drain and Cool: Remove bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble or dice the bacon into small pieces.
3. Combine the Beans
Prepare the Crockpot: In a large crockpot, combine the pork and beans, dark kidney beans, and butter beans.
4. Add the Meat Mixtures
Mix in Beef and Onion: Add the cooked ground beef and onion mixture to the crockpot, stirring to combine with the beans.
Add the Bacon: Incorporate the crumbled or diced bacon into the mixture.
5. Prepare the Sauce
Mix Ketchup and Brown Sugar: In a small bowl, combine ketchup and brown sugar until well blended.
Pour Over Beans: Pour this mixture over the beans in the crockpot, stirring gently to evenly distribute.
6. Cook to Perfection
Cover and Cook: Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Serve Hot: Serve alongside cornbread for a complete, comforting meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the calico beans in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Helpful Tips for Enhancing the Recipe
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