Heat a medium sized saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook, stirring frequently. When bacon is beginning to look crispy add onion and red pepper. Continue cooking until onion is translucent. About 5 minutes.

Add all remaining ingredients except beans to the pan and stir to combine. Bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.

After time, turn off heat. Drain beans, but do not rinse. Stir beans into sauce until well coated. Transfer to a 2 quart casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil. Bake in a preheated 300°F oven for 2 hours. Remove from oven, uncover and let cool 5 minutes before serving.

For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and cook onions and red pepper in 2 tbs olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes. Continue with step 2.