Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the bacon:

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp.

Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel.

Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.

Sauté onions & garlic:

In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook until softened (about 4–5 minutes).

Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

Mix in remaining ingredients:

Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.

Mix in the drained beans and most of the cooked bacon (reserve a bit for topping).

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bake:

If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle remaining bacon on top.

Bake uncovered for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until the sauce is thickened and bubbly.

Serve warm, with extra bacon or a drizzle of molasses if desired.