Cassoulet
A hearty and comforting French-inspired dish featuring tender beans, ground beef, and savory vegetables simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers bold flavors with a satisfying blend of beans and seasoned meat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and stir ground beef, celery, onion, green pepper, and crushed garlic until vegetables are tender.
- Pour off excess fat.
- Stir in salt and beans with liquid.
- Stir in tomato paste.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked sausage or bacon to the mixture while cooking the beef. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the meat with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of the bean liquid. This dish can also be enhanced with herbs like thyme or bay leaves.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cassoulet hot with a crusty baguette or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A simple side salad with vinaigrette complements the dish well. For an upscale touch, consider pairing it with a glass of red wine. This cassoulet pairs beautifully with Beef recipes, making it a versatile option for various occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. For longer storage, you can freeze the cassoulet for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cassoulet contains roughly 983 calories, with 57g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (150% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (119% of the Daily Value), and protein (114% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2358mg per serving (103% 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 this recipe calls for pork and lima beans, feel free to mix in other varieties like kidney beans or black beans for different flavors and textures. Just ensure that the total bean volume remains the same to maintain the dish's balance.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the cassoulet a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply follow the recipe up to the simmering step, then cool it completely before refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the mixture.
What can I serve with cassoulet?
Cassoulet is a hearty dish that pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A light dessert like sorbet can also balance the richness of the dish.
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).