Cassoulet with Mixed Meats and Herb-Infused Breadcrumb Topping

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich cassoulet combining pork sausage, duck confit, and pork belly with white beans, slow-cooked and topped with a savory herb breadcrumb crust. This french-inspired french ready in about 140 minutes pairs legs duck confit legs, pork sausage, pork belly, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 700 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 110 min Serves 6 French cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 2 cups dried white beans in cold water overnight. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add 8 oz diced pork belly and cook for 7 minutes until browned and fat renders. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 10 oz pork sausage to the same pot, breaking into chunks, and brown for 5 minutes. Remove and set aside with pork belly.
  4. Step 4: Add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 large diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 8 minutes until softened.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Add soaked beans, 5 cups chicken broth, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and cook covered for 1 hour until beans are tender.
  7. Step 7: Nestle 3 duck confit legs skin-side up, pork belly, and sausage into the pot. Season with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  8. Step 8: Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix 1 cup breadcrumbs with 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  9. Step 9: Transfer stew to an oven-safe dish if necessary. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
  10. Step 10: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until crust is golden and stew edges are bubbling.
  11. Step 11: Rest for 10 minutes before serving to deepen flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cassoulet with Mixed Meats and Herb-Infused Breadcrumb Topping take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (30 min prep + 110 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cassoulet with Mixed Meats and Herb-Infused Breadcrumb Topping?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep legs duck confit legs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cassoulet with Mixed Meats and Herb-Infused Breadcrumb Topping?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cassoulet with Mixed Meats and Herb-Infused Breadcrumb Topping for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cassoulet with Mixed Meats and Herb-Infused Breadcrumb Topping?

French french like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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