Bold and Saucy Baked Beans

Preheat oven to 325 F.

In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the bacon until almost cooked, but not too crisp. Remove bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and place it in a large bowl. Drain all but about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the skillet and discard it or use it for another purpose. Add the onion and green pepper into the skillet, if using. Saute for a few minutes to soften. Add them into the large bowl with the bacon.

Into the large bowl add the undrained pork and beans, the 2 cans of rinsed and drained beans and the rest of the ingredients and mix well.

Pour into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish with a sheet of foil and bake at 325 F for 45 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 20-25 more minutes.

Cooks Notes: Sometime I will add a chipotle chile with a little of the adobo sauce that has been finely diced. You know I can’t get enough of those! It is also delicious to turn them into “cowboy” beans (what Nanny called them) and add cooked ground beef or sausage.