If you’ve never had Calico Beans, you’re missing out! We originally had this recipe at my sister-in-laws and it was so amazing. Definitely a favorite!
I’m obsessed with my instant pot, it has so many functions and makes cooking dinner so easy. We love the slow cooker still but lately we’ve had more time in the afternoon(as opposed to the morning) to prepare and cook dinner. The instant pot we can have a “slow cooked” meal in under 30 minutes and in one pot so there’s less to clean up. Win win!
This post may contain affiliate links, thanks for supporting this blog.
Calico Beans recipe is great whether you make it in the slow cooker, oven or instant pot. I just prefer the instant pot so I only have to use one pot for the entire meal, easy to clean up and it’s done in under 30-45 minutes.
If it’s too sweet for your liking you could add a little less sugar, or add other vegetables to the pot. Serve with some bread and/or side salad. Calico Beans makes the perfect thing to bring to a potluck or serve to a large crowd.
HOW TO MAKE CALICO BEANS IN THE INSTANT POT
In a small bowl combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar and mustard. Set aside.
In the instant pot set it to saute, add bacon and brown for about 5-7 minutes. Add the ground beef and onion to the bacon and continue cooking until the bacon and beef are thoroughly cooked.
Stir in the beans, celery and sauce mix into the instant pot with the meat mixture. Stir completely.
Close the lid, turn it to “sealing” and click manual high pressure for 12 minutes.
Let it naturally release if you have the time, if not do the quick release after about 5-10 just be very careful with this step.
Serve warm with some tasty bread and/or salad on the side.
*Cook this either in the pressure cooker, slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low or baked in the oven 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.
Do you have an instant pot and looking for other recipes? Check out Instant Pot Chicken Orzo, Instant Pot Beef & Bean Stew and Instant Pot Taco Soup. I’ve even got a post with over 84 different summer type recipes.
Instant Pot Calico Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon cut into bite sizes
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cans pork n beans not drained
- 1 can lima beans drained
- 2 cans kidney beans drained
- 1/2 cup celery chopped very small
Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
- dash of pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar and mustard. Set aside.
- In the instant pot set it to saute, add bacon and brown for about 5-7 minutes. Add the ground beef and onion to the bacon and continue cooking until the bacon and beef are thoroughly cooked.
- Stir in the beans, celery and sauce mix into the instant pot with the meat mixture. Stir completely.
- Close the lid, turn it to "sealing" and click manual high pressure for 12 minutes.
- Let it naturally release if you have the time, if not do the quick release after about 5-10 just be very careful with this step.
- Serve warm with some tasty bread and/or salad on the side.
How’d you like this recipe? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to save the pin for later!
Denise
September 19, 2020I’m very glad to have found the instant pot conversion for these great beans. I’m making a batch to have for lunch this week. A bowl of Calico beans and a slice of bread and butter is wonderful. I use a bag of Walmart onions, peppers, and celery. I cook them up first using sauté function, then add ground beef. I add cooked bacon bits on top just before serving.
Caroline
December 28, 2019Do you drain the beans and drain the the grease from meat and bacon?