Mastering the Art of Thickening Calico Beans

This calico beans recipe is the perfect dish for any occasion. Your oven will cook a hearty, flavorful main dish or side dish while you put away that mountain of laundry you’ve been putting off.

You know what I mean when I say “Calico Beans” if you’ve ever seen a calico cat or been wrapped in a calico quilt. ”.

The recipe below comes from my grandmother. She used to make it when she wanted a hearty, simple dinner that was high in comfort food. A little Southern cornbread on the side, and we’d all go to bed in a happy, food-induced coma.

These beans are full of onions, beef, bacon, and a thick, tasty sauce that will make you feel warm, just like that quilt!

A cheap and versatile side dish, baked beans can be found on the menu at your favorite barbecue joint or on the table at your next backyard party. But forget about the memories of bland, one-color beans with vague thoughts of pork chunks or green peppers floating in a thin, overly sweet sauce.

Calico beans are a beloved bean dish, often served at potlucks and family gatherings. Their name comes from the speckled appearance created by the mix of colored beans. While the flavor of calico beans is rich and savory, some cooks find the sauce to be too thin. Thankfully, there are several easy methods to thicken up calico beans to achieve the perfect texture.

The Simple Satisfaction of Home Cooked Calico Beans

Before diving into thickening techniques, it helps to understand the comfort factor of calico beans. The dish brings people together, warming hearts and bellies Calico beans are simmered low and slow, melding flavors like tomatoes, onions, bacon, spices, and sometimes ground beef The beans become soft and creamy, enveloped in a saucy broth.

For potlucks and family meals, calico beans are simple to make in large batches. While canned beans work in a pinch, dried beans from scratch create superior texture and flavor. Patience is required as the beans simmer into tender perfection. Once mastered, calico beans become a satisfying staple.

Quick Tricks for Thickening the Sauce

For cooks seeking a thicker sauce there are several easy options for thickening calico beans

Simmer the beans longer to reduce more liquid.
Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to release starch.
Mix 1-2 tbsp cornstarch with cold water and stir into beans to thicken.
Remove some beans and liquid, puree in blender, then return to pot.
Add breadcrumbs, cracker crumbs or cornmeal to soak up liquid.
Stir in instant potato flakes and let simmer for 5 minutes.

These quick tricks allow you to tweak the thickness at any point. For best results, add thickening agents slowly and taste as you go.

Taking Time to Layer Flavor

While quick fixes work, calico beans achieve maximum flavor through long, slow cooking. Start by sautéing aromatics like onion, garlic, and peppers to deepen flavors. Sear any ground meat until nicely browned.

Rinse the beans and add them to the pot with enough water or broth to cover. Bring to a boil then reduce to a low simmer. Add chopped tomatoes, molasses, mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.

Simmer the beans over low heat for 1-2 hours, until softened and creamy. The liquids will reduce and thicken naturally. Add more seasonings to taste and simmer 30 minutes more. The patience required results in complex flavor.

Crowd-Pleasing Add-Ins for Texture and Taste

Once you’ve mastered the basic calico bean recipe, add-ins can take it to the next level. Try throwing in crispy bacon pieces, shredded cheese, scallions, or chopped cilantro before serving.

For texture, add some diced peppers, corn kernels, or green beans during simmering. Leafy greens like spinach or kale can be stirred in towards the end.

Swap out ground beef for Italian sausage or turkey for variety. Chili beans pair well with shredded chicken or pork. Get creative with mix-ins to customize your calico beans.

Going the Extra Mile for From-Scratch Beans

For the ultimate flavor and texture, soak and simmer dried beans from scratch. Sort through bags of dried beans to remove any debris. Then place beans in a colander and rinse thoroughly.

Transfer to a bowl and cover with several inches of water. Soak 8-12 hours or overnight. Drain, rinse again, then add to a pot with fresh water or broth.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours until tender. The beans will triple in size as they cook. Drain any excess liquid before using beans in calico bean recipes.

The time investment pays off with superior texture and flavor. The starch released gives a thicker consistency. For an even thicker sauce, run some of the cooked beans through a food processor or blender until smooth.

Finding Your Perfect Consistency

Some folks prefer calico beans with a thin, soupy sauce, while others like it thick and stew-like. Cooking time, ingredients, and thickening techniques allow you to customize the consistency.

Aim for a sauce that clings lightly to the beans and coats the back of a spoon. Thin it with broth or water if needed. For potlucks, a thicker sauce prevents spills during transport.

Taste the beans as you go and tweak seasonings until the flavor pops. Finding your perfect calico bean consistency may take some trial and error, but the rewards are well worth it.

Calico Beans Bring Comfort, Regardless of Thickness

Whether you prefer a thin sauce or a thick stew-like consistency, calico beans deliver comfort, flavor, and memories. Follow your instincts to achieve the texture you desire. The number one rule is to make them with love, letting the beans simmer until tender and infused with spice, sweetness, and savor. For many, a steaming pot of calico beans made from the heart tastes like home.

how do you thicken calico beans

How To Serve Calico Beans

Like I said before, my grandmother used to make these as a light dinner, just like she did with hamburger hash. You can also serve them as a hearty side dish with my grilled Greek chicken, my easy-peasy grilled flank steak, or chicken grilled with my everyday chicken marinade (the only chicken marinade you’ll ever want to use!!!).

How To Make Slow Cooker Calico Beans

Yes, these calico beans can be cooked in a crock pot instead of in the oven. Just put all the prepared ingredients in the crock pot and set it to high for four hours. Here’s how:

Follow the instructions below through step # 3.
Pour the beans into the crockpot instead of putting them in a baking dish. Cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–8 hours with the lid on.

How to Thicken Beans: Chef Baba Cooking Tip

FAQ

How to make your beans thicker?

If your beans are still too watery after prolonged cooking and mashing, consider adding a thickener like cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or arrowroot. To do this, first, make a slurry of equal parts thickener and water, then slowly add it to your refried beans. They should thicken considerably.

What to do if baked beans are too runny?

One way is to boil the beans until they are soft, then remove them from heat and cover with at least an inch of cold water. The beans will soak up some of the remaining hot water while they cool and release starches which thicken them. Once cooled, you can drain off any excess liquid or eat as-is if desired.

How to thicken up beans without cornstarch?

Add more cornstarch or flour as needed until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Alternative thickening agents include gelatin, potato starch, and tapioca starch. 3. Purée the beans.

What can you add to baked beans to make them thicker?

Get a measuring cup (or regular cup) and place about 1 tablespoon of flour inside and add 1 tablespoon of bean juice; stir. Slowly keep adding more juice – then add to the the beans; stir. Keep cooking them down and don’t add water, then when you refrigerate them they get thicker yet…