Calico beans are a crowd-pleaser

A slow cooker is a great way to spend less time in the kitchen while still preparing hearty, nutritious meals the whole family will love. This recipe is simple and affordable, thanks to the Co-op’s everyday low-priced Co-op’s Basic grocery staples, and our bulk department where you can always get as little or as much of any ingredient as you need.

SLOW-COOKED CALICO BEANS

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 diced yellow onion

1 diced red bell pepper

2 minced garlic cloves

1 15-oz. can pinto beans

1 15-oz. can cannellini beans

1 15-oz. can kidney beans

1 15-oz. can crushed tomatoes

⅓ cup ketchup

3 Tbsp. maple syrup

2 Tbsp. tamari

1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce,

salt and pepper to taste.

Directions: Rinse and drain the canned beans. Heat olive oil in a skillet

over medium-high heat and sauté the onion, pepper and garlic for 5 to 10

minutes until tender. Add the onions and peppers to a slow cooker along

with the rest of the ingredients and stir well. Turn the slow cooker to low

and cook for 5 hours. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.