Quick Southern-Style Baked Beans

Adjust oven rack to the lower-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees (F).

Fry bacon in a large, deep saute pan or skillet until partially cooked and until it has released about 1/4 cup of drippings. Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels. Add onions and peppers into the drippings in the pan and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add beans and remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. (If your skillet is not large enough, add beans and heat to a simmer then transfer to a large bowl and stir in remaining ingredients.)

Pour flavored beans into a greased 13×9 inch ovenproof pan. Top with bacon, then bake until beans are bubbly and sauce is the consistency of pancake syrup, about 2 hours. Let stand to thicken slightly and serve.