Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about one tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet to add extra flavor to the dish.

Add the ground beef and diced onion to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

In a large bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and smoked paprika until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This sweet and savory sauce gives calico beans their signature flavor.

Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a Dutch oven or large baking dish. Add the crispy bacon along with the kidney beans, butter beans, pork and beans, baked beans, and lima beans. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and gently stir until all the beans are evenly coated.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking so the sauce thickens slightly and develops a rich, glossy finish.

Once the calico beans are finished baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and helps the flavors meld together. Stir gently before serving and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm as a hearty main course or alongside your favorite barbecue dishes.