Cassoulet with Pork Rind and Herb Bouquet

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

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.

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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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