French Bean Casserole With Pork Recipe

4 Cups Water
1 Pound (2 1/2 Cups) Dried Great Northern Or Navy Beans
1 1/2 Pounds Boneless Pork Shoulder
1 Pound Link Sausage, 1-inch Pieces
6 Slices Bacon, 2-inch Pieces
4 Medium Carrots, Sliced
2 Medium Onions, Sliced
2 Cloves Garlic, Chopped
2 Bay Leaves
1 (6 Ounce) Can Tomato Paste
2 Teaspoons Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme Leaves
1/2 Teaspoon Dry Mustard
1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
minced Parsley 

heat Water And Beans To Boiling In Dutch Oven; Boil 2 Minutes. Remove From Heat; Cover And Let Stand 1 Hour. Add Enough Water To Cover Beans If Necessary. Heat To Boiling; Reduce Heat. Cover And Simmer Until Almost Tender, About 1 1/2 Hours (do Not Boil Or Beans Will Burst). Drain, Reserving Liquid.

trim Fat From Pork; Cut Pork Into 3/4-inch Cubes. Cook And Stir Pork, Sausage And Bacon Over Medium Heat Until Brown; Drain. Place Beans, Meat Mixture, Carrots, Onions, Garlic And Bay Leaves In Ungreased 4-quart Bean Pot, Casserole Or Dutch Oven. Add Enough Water To Reserved Bean Liquid To Measure 2 Cups.

mix Reserved Liquid, Tomato Paste, Salt, Thyme, Mustard And Pepper; Pour Over Beans. Add Water To Almost Cover Mixture. Cover And Bake At 325 Degrees F, Stirring Occasionally, 1 Hour.

uncover And Bake Until Beans Are Of Desired Consistency, About 30 Minutes.

remove Bay Leaves. Garnish With Parsley.

yields 8 Servings.