Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 45–60 mins | Servings: 8–10

The Beans: 2 cans (28 oz each) pork and beans or navy beans (partially drained).
The Flavor Base: 6–8 slices of thick-cut bacon (cut into pieces) and 1 small yellow onion (finely diced).
The Sweetener: 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup molasses.
The Tang: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce.
Seasoning: 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and black pepper to taste.

Sauté: In a large skillet, cook the bacon pieces until they are halfway crisp. Add the diced onions and cook until softened and the bacon is fully browned. Drain most of the grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
Mix: In a large bowl, combine the beans, brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Stir in the cooked bacon and onions.
Assemble: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or a deep casserole dish.
Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and is bubbling beautifully around the edges.
Rest: Let the beans sit for 5–10 minutes before serving; this allows the sauce to thicken even further as it cools slightly.