Oven Cassoulet
A hearty oven-baked cassoulet featuring sausage, beans, and vegetables with flavorful herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. reduced-fat fully cooked kielbasa or polish sausage, cut into 1/2 inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 celery ribs, chopped ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 14-1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1-1/2 cups soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a non-stick saucepan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, cook and stir the sausage, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for 4-5 minutes or until the onion is tender.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, pepper, and ground cloves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes or until the carrots are tender and the liquid is slightly thickened.
- Discard the bay leaf.
- Stir in the rinsed and drained great northern beans.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
- Combine the bread crumbs, melted butter, and minced parsley.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the sausage and bean mixture.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding diced potatoes or swapping the kielbasa for a leaner turkey sausage. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with mushrooms or tempeh. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. This dish also works well with a splash of white wine added during simmering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cassoulet hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green bean dish. This hearty recipe is perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cassoulet in a baking dish and cover with foil to maintain moisture, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Cassoulet contains roughly 1584 calories, with 11g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 152g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (116% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1245mg per serving (54% 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 make this cassoulet ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cassoulet a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up until baking, allow it to cool, and then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for great northern beans?
If great northern beans aren't available, you can use white kidney beans or cannellini beans as a substitute. Both options offer a similar texture and flavor, making them great alternatives. Just ensure they are rinsed and drained before adding them to the dish.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cassoulet before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish and cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. If frozen after baking, reheat in the oven until heated through, usually about 30-40 minutes.
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).