Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon pieces and cook until crispy. Stir often so it cooks evenly. Remove excess grease but keep a little for flavor. Set bacon aside on a paper towel to cool.

In the same skillet, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for about five minutes until soft and slightly golden. Stir often so nothing burns. This step builds flavor for the Paula Deen Baked Beans Recipe base.

In a large bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and molasses. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth and thick. This sweet and tangy sauce gives the dish its signature Southern taste.

Add baked beans into the bowl with sauce. Then mix in cooked bacon and sautéed vegetables. Stir gently but thoroughly so every bean gets coated. This step is key for rich and balanced flavor in every bite.

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spoon. Make sure bacon and beans are well distributed. This helps the dish cook evenly and absorb all the sweet and smoky flavors.

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the dish inside and bake for about 60 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking. This allows flavors to blend and sauce to thicken into a rich, sticky texture.

Once baked, remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the sauce settle and thicken more. Serve warm as a side dish with BBQ, grilled meat, or family comfort meals.