Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of a hearty French dish that warms both the body and soul! Our Slow Cooker Sausage and White Bean Cassoulet is the perfect recipe to elevate your dinner game with minimal effort. This delightful, rustic meal combines savory Italian sausage, creamy white beans, and aromatic herbs, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this comforting cassoulet promises to impress and satisfy. Ready to discover how to make this delicious dish that practically cooks itself? Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage by removing it from its casing and breaking it into small chunks if not already in ground form.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the sausage pieces until they develop a golden color and release their fat, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker using a slotted spoon.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion in the remaining sausage drippings until translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker with the sausage.
- Add drained and rinsed white beans, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 7-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the cassoulet. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Choosing the Right Sausage: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality Italian sausage. You can use either sweet or spicy varieties, depending on your preference!
- Sautéing for Flavor: Don’t skip the browning step for the sausage and onions! This caramelization adds depth and richness to your cassoulet.
- Beans Matter: Make sure to drain and rinse your white beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and enhance their flavor.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker cassoulet, you can mash a portion of the beans before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs! Adding a sprig of rosemary or a pinch of smoked paprika can give your cassoulet a unique twist.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
- Leftover Delight: This dish tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
