This delicious Ina Garten Cassoulet comes together in about two hours and yes, I know that sounds long, but trust me, most of that is hands-off time in the oven! You’ll be using a cozy oven bake method for a comforting weeknight dinner that your family will love! This one-pot wonder is the perfect way to clean out the fridge while you’re at it. Just switch up the ingredients as needed, whatever meats or veggies you have on hand will work just fine!

Ingredient Breakdown

To create this hearty and comforting dish, you’ll need to gather some ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound dried white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern)
6 cups chicken stock
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/2 pound smoked pork sausage, sliced
1/2 pound pancetta or bacon, diced
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 (14-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, drained
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Ina Garten Cassoulet

Now that you’ve gathered everything, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

So, the first thing you want to do is soak your beans. Place them in a big bowl with water to cover them by at least two inches. Let them soak overnight. This part can feel tedious, but it’s essential for tenderness. If you didn’t plan ahead, you can cover the beans with water in a pot, bring to a boil, then let it sit with the lid on for an hour. We’re all about options!

Step 2: Cook the Meats

Alright, grab a large Dutch oven and heat it over medium heat. Toss in your pancetta or bacon and cook it until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the smoked sausage slices and continue to cook for a few more minutes until golden. Pour off any excess fat, leaving just a bit to flavor the dish. Use a slotted spoon to transfer everything to a plate, and let’s keep that pot warm!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Still on medium heat, add your onion to the pot, don’t forget to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom! It’s the good stuff! Cook the onions until they’re translucent, about 3-5 minutes, then add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, only about a minute or so.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Now, let’s add the tomato paste to the pot and stir to coat all those veggies. Cook until it’s darkened slightly, around 2 minutes. Then, pour in the white wine to deglaze and bring to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits. Toss in your drained tomatoes, thyme, and the bay leaf, along with a couple of good pinches of salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Next, return your cooked meats to the pot and add in the soaked beans along with the chicken stock. Give it a good stir and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover and reduce the heat to low, cooking for about 1 hour, this step will really let all those flavors bloom together!

Step 6: Add the Breadcrumb Topping

After an hour, remove the lid and give it a taste delicious, right? Here you might want to adjust your seasoning once more. Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish, then sprinkle your panko breadcrumbs evenly on top. Drizzle with the melted butter, you’ve got some magic happening here!

Step 7: Bake the Cassoulet

Pop it into the oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You want it to bubble up and turn a golden brown. Your home will smell like a cozy French bistro; hope you’re ready for compliments!

Step 8: Serve

Once it’s out and cooled slightly, finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve it hot, maybe alongside some crusty bread, and enjoy the cozy flavors wrapped in this magnificent dish!

Why I Love This Cassoulet Recipe

This is my go-to recipe whenever the weather turns cold or when I just need something really comforting. I’m a sucker for recipes that bring a twist on classic comfort food. The best part is that this recipe is adaptable, you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that cooking can be relaxing and enjoyable, and it helps my family feel nourished and satisfied.

If you loved this cassoulet, be sure to check out my Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin, my French-Style Beef Stew, or my Flaky Salmon with Citrus Glaze!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Comfort Food

This dish is truly loaded with tons of flavor! There’s just something warm and inviting about a cassoulet bubbling away in your oven.

Customizable

You can use whatever ingredients you have. Swap out the meats according to your family’s taste or dietary restrictions. Some nights I even add in veggies to sneak in some greens!

One-Pot Wonder

Everything comes together all in one pot, so you earn major points for minimal clean-up. The only dishes you’ll have to wash are the ones used for prep!

Crowd-Pleaser

The whole family will love it! It’s filling enough to serve as a standalone meal, and I promise your kids (even the picky ones) will dive right in!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

Serve this glorious cassoulet hot from the oven with a generous chunk of fresh bread or a side salad. Pair it with a glass of white wine, and you’re in for a treat!

Storage

Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, place it back in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of chicken stock to keep it from drying out!

Freezer Friendly

You can freeze it too! Just cool completely before putting it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!

The flavors get even better as it sits, so this casserole truly excels in making meals in advance, perfect for all you busy families out there!

And there you have it Ina Garten’s fabulous cassoulet ready to grace your dinner table! Cooking should be enjoyable, and great flavors make it all worth it. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!