Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Step 2

Add bacon to a large pot. Turn heat to medium and cook, stirring often until crisp. Remove to a plate. Remove only some of the excess grease. Add onion to pan and sauté for 4 minutes. Add bell pepper and garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Add remaining ingredients and bacon to stir to combine. Taste and add additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 3

Pour mixture into a 9x13 baking pan and bake, covered with foil, for one hour (or up to 2 hours, if you want them thicker consistency). Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving, for the sauce to thicken as it cools.

Step 4

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 week.