Cassoulet with Pork Rind and Herb Bouquet

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rustic French cassoulet featuring tender pork, bacon, white beans, and aromatic herbs simmered slowly in a heavy casserole for deep flavor. This french-inspired french ready in about 195 minutes pairs dried white beans, ounces bacon, diced, ounces pork rind, cubed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 French cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 1.5 cups dried white beans overnight in cold water. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a large heavy casserole over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 5 ounces diced bacon; cook until bacon is crisp, about 6 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 ounces cubed pork rind to the bacon fat and brown for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 large quartered yellow onion, and 1 medium sliced carrot. Cook for 5 minutes until fragrant and vegetables start to soften.
  5. Step 5: Add soaked beans, 10 cups chicken stock, 2 bay leaves, and 3 sprigs fresh thyme to the casserole. Season with salt and black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently, covered, for 2 to 3 hours until beans are tender and the stew thickens.
  7. Step 7: Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed and enjoy with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cassoulet with Pork Rind and Herb Bouquet take to make?

Total time is about 195 minutes (15 min prep + 180 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 Pork Rind and Herb Bouquet?

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 dried white beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cassoulet with Pork Rind and Herb Bouquet?

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 Pork Rind and Herb Bouquet 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 Pork Rind and Herb Bouquet?

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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