Duck Confit and Pork Cassoulet with Garlic-Infused Beans
A slow-simmered French stew featuring duck confit and pork shoulder in a creamy bean sauce, topped with a golden crust. This french-inspired french ready in about 195 minutes pairs whole (about 2 pounds) duck confit, dried white beans, large, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 whole (about 2 pounds) duck confit
- 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 1 cup dried white beans
- 1 large, finely diced onion
- 2, diced carrots
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 1 cup dried white beans in cold water for 8 hours, then drain and rinse.
- Step 2: Heat 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 pound pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 1 large diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot, stirring to combine, and cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 cup dry white wine, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt, and pepper, then bring to a simmer.
- Step 6: Add the drained 1 cup soaked white beans and the whole duck confit (with its reserved fat) to the pot, ensuring beans are submerged. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Step 7: Remove duck confit, let cool slightly, then shred meat and remove bones. Return shredded duck to the pot.
- Step 8: Stir in 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Step 9: Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
- Step 10: Uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes more until the top is golden and crisp.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Duck Confit and Pork Cassoulet with Garlic-Infused Beans take to make?
Total time is about 195 minutes (30 min prep + 165 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 Duck Confit and Pork Cassoulet with Garlic-Infused Beans?
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 Duck Confit and Pork Cassoulet with Garlic-Infused Beans?
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 Duck Confit and Pork Cassoulet with Garlic-Infused Beans for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Duck Confit and Pork Cassoulet with Garlic-Infused Beans?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A perfect French meal that impressed my guests.
- ★★★★★
Loved the rich flavors and tender duck! My family devoured it.
- ★★★★☆
Cooking time was longer than expected, but the result was worth the wait.