Root Beer Baked Beans

INGREDIENTS

• 4 slices applewood-smoked bacon, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups root beer (preferably artisanal)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons mild-flavored (light) molasses
• 4 15-ounce cans cannellini (white kidney beans), rinsed, drained
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 3 1/2 cups chopped onions