Calico Bean Casserole

Ingredients and Weight:

• Dried calico beans, 1 pound
• Onion, 1 medium, chopped
• Green bell pepper, 1 medium, chopped
• Red bell pepper, 1 medium, chopped
• Ground beef, 1 pound
• Italian sausage, 1 pound, removed from casing
• Chicken broth, 4 cups
• Canned diced tomatoes, 1 (14.5 ounce) can
• Tomato paste, 1/4 cup
• Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup
• Brown sugar, 1/4 cup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup

Preparation Time:

• 30 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 2-3 hours

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Soak the beans overnight in plenty of cold water. Drain and rinse.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a large Dutch oven or slow cooker.
5. Add the soaked beans, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to the pot.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese and spread the remaining cheese over the top.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 530 per serving (1 cup)
• Protein: 25 grams
• Fat: 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Fiber: 10 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Savory and flavorful
• Hearty and filling
• Perfect for a cold winter day
• Can be made ahead of time

User Comments:

• "This is the best calico bean casserole I've ever had!"
• "The flavors are incredible, and it's so easy to make."
• "I love the addition of the brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce."
• "This dish is perfect for a crowd."
• "I like to serve it with cornbread or buttermilk biscuits."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Do not overcook the beans, as they will become mushy.
• If you don't have time to soak the beans overnight, you can use canned beans instead. Just rinse them well before adding them to the pot.
• This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• For a spicier dish, add some chopped jalapeño peppers to the skillet along with the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper.
• Leftover calico bean casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.