Southern Style Baked Beans

My husband smoked a brisket for our Nana and Grandad this past weekend.  They wanted some of my mac 'n cheese to go with it.  I wanted to make another side dish that goes well with some good Texas BBQ.  I found this recipe for baked beans on The Pioneer Woman.  They were thick, rich, and very flavorful.  Please excuse the picture as they don't look too appetizing... this was our family's little batch that I cooked too long, but it still tasted good.  Nana and Grandad's big batch of baked beans was perfect!

Ingredients:

6 slices bacon, cut in half
1/2 white onion, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
5 - 15 oz. cans Pork 'N Beans
3/4 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tsp dry mustard

In a large stock pot, saute bacon until partially cooked.  You do not want to brown the bacon- you just want to release the bacon fat.  Remove the bacon and place on a paper towel lined plate.  Add the onions and green peppers to the bacon drippings.  Saute until tender, about 5 minutes.  Add the beans and remaining ingredients.  Bring beans to a simmer.  Spray a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.  Pour in the beans and top with the partially cooked bacon slices. 

Bake until the beans are bubbly and the sauce is thick, about 1 1/2 hours.  The bacon should be fully cooked and crispy.  Enjoy!