Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water and remove any debris. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight.
Drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a pot. Add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large baking dish, combine the cooked beans, chopped onion, brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, crumbled bacon, water, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
Remove from the oven and let the baked beans cool for a few minutes before serving. Stir gently before serving to distribute the flavors evenly.
Serve the simple baked beans as a side dish with grilled meat or as a main dish with crusty bread. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Baked beans are a popular dish in American cuisine, often served at barbecues and picnics.
The tradition of baked beans dates back to Native American tribes who slow-cooked beans in ceramic pots buried in hot ashes.
The addition of bacon adds a smoky flavor to the baked beans.