Bernell's Calico Beans

Bernell's Calico Beans, from Mom

Mom recopies this recipe 10-11-05 from her original copy written 12-84.

She says: On a day in December 1984 I stopped at Bernell's house to drop off some of Ed's candleboxes that Bernell and Eileen had ordered. The two of them were out shopping but Don was home and they came home shortly after I got there. They had already had lunch but Don was having some of these beans for his lunch. Of course we all had coffee and the beans looked so good I had some too. We had a great visit.

Then, about 10 days later, Don died without any warning as he sat talking to Bernell who had the day off and was making her poppyseed coffeecake, so sadly, that was the last visit the four of us had. Earlier, Don had gone out to do some snowblowing -- not really very much at all -- and collapsed shortly after sitting down to watch Bernell and visit with her. Evidently he had a heart problem and didn't know it. This was much too sudden and sad. And, of course, every time I use this recipe, I remember that lovely winter day that I got it...and I miss days like that so much.

Gael says: Mom made these when I was visiting in fall of 2005 or 2006. They were delicious and I don't even think of myself as someone who likes beans! They're almost as much a meal as a side dish with all the meat in them.

1 can pork and beans
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can pinto beans
1 can butter beans
1/2 pound bacon, chopped fine
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon vinegar
salt, optional


Brown ground beef, bacon, onion.

Add brown sugar, dry mustard, vinegar. Salt is optional so skip that until you taste finished dish. Add beans.

Put in oven for 40 minutes or so at 325-350, really just to be heated so flavors can blend.

Mom makes this with more pork and beans than above and also adds a can of garbanzo beans. She likes to make it in the crockpot rather than the oven. It works well for a large group and can be kept warm that way.