Cassoulet, French Casserole
A hearty French casserole combining beans, sausage, and smoked ham, flavored with tomato, ketchup, brown sugar, and seasonings for a comforting, savory dish perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. frozen lima beans ⓘ
- 3 (1 lb.) cans baked beans ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb. 4 oz.) cans kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 lb. Italian link sausage or pork link sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. smoked ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Split the sausage in half lengthwise and pan-fry until browned.
- Cut the sausage into 2 or 3 pieces each.
- Defrost the lima beans until separated and mix with the baked beans and kidney beans.
- Combine the sausage, ham, and bean mixture in a bowl.
- Mix the seasoning, tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and chopped onion together.
- Add the seasoned mixture to the meat and beans mixture and stir well.
- Pour everything into a crock-pot.
- Cook on high for 1 hour, then turn to low and cook for 4 to 5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or using a combination of beans. If you’re short on time, canned beans can be substituted for dried ones, but be sure to rinse them to reduce sodium. To enhance the flavor, try adding a bay leaf or some herbs like thyme during cooking. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cassoulet hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A crisp green salad can also complement the richness of the dish. For a delightful dessert, consider serving Tara'S Cream Delight after this hearty main course.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Freezing is also an option; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cassoulet, French Casserole contains roughly 614 calories, with 23g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (221% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), and protein (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1591mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of beans in this cassoulet?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for lima, kidney, and baked beans, you can substitute other beans like navy or black beans based on your preference. Just ensure they are cooked properly if using dried beans.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and ham, and consider adding more beans or vegetables like carrots and celery for flavor. You can also use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based ingredients.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If the cassoulet turns out too watery, you can thicken it by letting it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it into the mixture for a thicker consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).