Lumberjack Beans
Hearty and savory baked beans with bacon, ground beef, and spices, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings offering rich flavors and comforting warmth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp and drain.
- Add ground beef to bacon and cook until pink is gone but not brown.
- Add beans, tomatoes, spaghetti, 1/2 to 3/4 cup brown sugar, parsley flakes, oregano, celery leaves, salt, and pepper. Put in a baking dish.
- Place sliced onions on top.
- Sprinkle with remaining brown sugar.
- Bake at 350°F for 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you don't have ground beef, ground turkey or sausage can be good substitutes. To save time, use canned beans and pre-cooked spaghetti. Adjust the brown sugar based on your sweetness preference, or replace it with maple syrup for a unique twist. This dish also pairs well with a side of cornbread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lumberjack Beans with a side of crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the hearty sauce. A simple green salad or coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast. This dish is perfect for gatherings, and it can also be served alongside Texas Beef Stew for a comforting meal. Don't forget to offer hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat!
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Lumberjack Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a pot over low heat or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if the beans are too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lumberjack Beans contains roughly 817 calories, with 30g protein, 193g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (370% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1208mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, you can use any type of beans such as black beans or kidney beans. Just make sure they are cooked, whether canned or homemade, as this recipe relies on the beans being soft and tender.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Lumberjack Beans vegetarian, skip the bacon and ground beef. Instead, use sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also substitute the meat with a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Is it possible to cook this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After frying the bacon and beef, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).