I am really surprised by the number of dishes that are commonplace here in Minnesota that others have never heard of before. Case in point? Calico Bean Casserole. When I first posted about Calico Beans on the Mommysavers Frugal Moms Forum, most of the moms had never heard of it before. Growing up, it was a staple at just about every potluck or neighborhood block party I attended. It’s in just about every church cookbook I own.
Some people like their Calico Bean Casserole a bit more soupy, but to me it’s best when the juices have been absorbed into the beans and the sauce thickens (as pictured above).
Other Yummy Recipes I Consider Minnesotan/Midwestern:
- Cornish Pasties (from my grandmother who grew up in the Iron Range)
- Wild Rice Soup
- Tater Tot Casserole
Forum Talk: Come join our conversations about U.S. Regional Foods and Regional Foods from Where YOU Live.
Calico Bean Casserole
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 lb. ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 large (21-oz.) can baked beans (pork and beans)
1 16-oz. can light kidney beans
1 16-oz. can butter beans, rinsed and drained
1 16-oz. can lima beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 C. brown sugar
2/3 C. ketchup
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar (sometimes I add more. I like the tanginess)
1 Tbsp. prepared mustard
salt and pepper to taste
In a skillet, brown the hamburger with the onion. Drain fat. Combine all ingredients in a large (covered) casserole dish and bake for about 45 minutes at 325 degrees. Remove the cover and continue baking until the sauce is the desired consistency.
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