1 pound dried navy or pinto beans
2 large onions, diced
12 ounces smoked pork or ham steak, chopped
3 cups chicken stock
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup dark molasses
1/4 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
Salt and pepper
Soak the beans overnight in water in a large bowl, then drain when ready to use.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Sauté the onions and meat over medium heat in a cast iron Dutch oven until the onions are tender (about 10 minutes). Add the drained beans, meat, chicken stock, pepper, molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, and salt and pepper to taste and bring to a boil.
Cover the casserole and transfer to the oven. Bake for 3 1/2 or 4 hours, until the beans are tender.