5 bacon slices, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 (16-ounce) package frozen butterbeans
1/4 cup butter
12 cups water
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cook bacon and onion in a large Dutch oven over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes. Add sugar, cooking until dissolved. Stir in butterbeans and butter. Stir until butter is melted and beans are evenly coated. Add water; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook 2 hours or until beans are tender, liquid is thickened and beans are barely covered. Stir in salt and pepper.