Bacon Baked Beans – Baron

modify this with more Ketchup as needed.
Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Fry 8 strips of bacon cut in 1/2 in large, deep sauté pan skillet (cast iron) until bacon has partially cooked and released about 1/4 cup drippings. Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels. Fry up remainder of bacon pieces till fully rendered. Set aside pieces to drain on paper towels. Drain all but a 1/4 cup of the drippings in cast iron pan after you add onions and peppers (if desired) to drippings in pan and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add beans and remaining ingredients bring to a simmer. (If skillet is not large enough, add beans and heat to a simmer then transfer to a large bowl and stir in remaining ingredients). Preheat cast iron dutch oven if your didn’t use it to cook the bacon. Grease the inside with some of the tasty bacon grease. Pour in the mixings. Top with bacon strips, then bake until beans are bubbly and sauce is the consistency of thick pancake syrup, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Let stand to thicken slightly more and serve.
Serves up to 16 to 18