First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives your casserole the ideal environment for baking.
In a skillet, over medium heat, add the smoked bacon. Cook until crispy but not burnt, stirring as needed. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon and allow it to drain on paper towels.
Using the same skillet, retain a tablespoon of bacon drippings. Sauté the finely chopped yellow onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The aroma will draw everyone to the kitchen.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your drained green beans (and their liquid) with the sautéed onions, crispy bacon, sugar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until everything is well combined.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Place your dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden. The smells will be overwhelming!