Soak the Beans: Start by rinsing the dried navy beans under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover them with water, allowing them to soak overnight. If you’re short on time, a quick soak method works too—bring the beans to a boil in a pot of water, then remove from heat and let them sit for an hour.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F
Prepare the Bean Mixture: Drain the soaked beans and place them in a large pot. Add the diced onion, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and bacon if using. Stir to combine everything evenly.
Add Water: Pour in the 4 cups of water, ensuring the beans are submerged.
Bake: Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours. Check occasionally, and if the mixture looks dry, add a little more water to keep it moist.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and watch your family savor every bite!