Comfy Baked Beans

Directions

1. 1
   Rinse beans and sort, discarding any blemished ones and any grit.
2. 2
   In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, cover the beans with 3 times their volume of water.
3. 3
   Bring to a boil; boil gently for 2 minutes.
4. 4
   Remove from heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour.
5. 5
   Drain, discarding liquid.
6. 6
   Return soaked beans to the pot along with 3 times their volume of fresh water.
7. 7
   Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 to 45 minutes or until tender.
8. 8
   Drain, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid.
9. 9
   Meanwhile, dice the bacon and set aside.
10. 10
    In a bean pot or 16-cup casserole, combine the beans, reserved cooking liquid, bacon, tomatoes, onions, ketchup, molasses, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper.
11. 11
    Bake, covered, in a 300 degree F.
12. 12
    oven for 2-1/2 hours.
13. 13
    Uncover and bake for 1 to 1-1/2 hours longer or until the sauce is thickened and coats the beans well.