Thomas Keller Slow Cooker Cassoulet Recipe

Thomas Keller Slow Cooker Cassoulet recipe is warm, rich and deeply comforting. It is a classic French bean and meat stew. The flavors are slow cooked and full of depth.

You do not need fancy chef skills to make it. Your slow cooker does most of the work for you. This Thomas Keller Slow Cooker Cassoulet recipe fills the home with amazing aroma.

You will love serving this dish to family and friends. It is cozy food for cold evenings and this cassoulet recipe always impresses.

My Experience With This Recipe

I first tried cassoulet on a cold night at home. I wanted something warm, filling and simple to make. This slow cooker version felt stress free and kind. I loved how the beans turned soft and creamy.

The meats added deep flavor that tasted like restaurant food. My kitchen smelled wonderful for hours while it cooked slowly. Family kept asking when dinner would be ready.

We enjoyed every single bite with fresh bread. Since then, I make it whenever I need comfort food.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Thomas Keller Slow Cooker Cassoulet
• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Total Time: 7 hours 25 mins
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: French
• Calories: 520 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Ingredients You Need for Thomas Keller Slow Cooker Cassoulet

• 2 cups dried white beans, soaked overnight
• 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless
• 8 ounces sausage, sliced
• 6 ounces bacon or pancetta, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup breadcrumbs for topping, optional

Instructions

1. Brown the meats

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown sausage, bacon and chicken lightly for extra flavor before slow cooking.

2. Prepare the beans

Drain soaked white beans and rinse gently under water. This helps remove extra starch and gives cleaner tasting beans.

3. Add ingredients to slow cooker

Place beans, browned meats, onion, garlic and carrots inside slow cooker pot carefully without spilling anything.

4. Add liquids and seasonings

Pour chicken broth and tomatoes over mixture. Add thyme, pepper, salt, and bay leaf for rich savory flavor.

5. Stir everything gently

Use spoon to mix ingredients slightly so flavors blend evenly. Do not mash beans while stirring mixture.

6. Cook on low setting

Cover slow cooker with lid securely. Cook on low heat for six to seven hours until beans become tender.

7. Check seasoning

Taste broth gently and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Rich flavors should taste balanced and warm.

8. Optional breadcrumb topping

Sprinkle cassoulet with breadcrumbs. Broil briefly in oven for crisp golden top, if you like classic finish.

9. Let it rest

Allow cassoulet to rest a few minutes before serving. Resting helps juices settle and flavors blend beautifully.

10. Serve warm

Ladle into bowls. Add crusty bread on side if you like. Enjoy the deep, soothing flavors slowly.

Recipe Tips

• Soak beans overnight for softer texture
• Browning meat adds stronger flavor
• Do not skip resting time
• Use good quality broth for best taste
• Remove bay leaf before serving
• Cassoulet tastes even better next day

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Carbohydrates	34 g
Protein	32 g
Fat	28 g
Fiber	8 g

Serving Suggestions

This cassoulet is hearty and filling by itself. Serve it in deep bowls for cozy comfort. Crusty bread is perfect for dipping in the rich sauce. A simple green salad adds freshness to the heavy dish.

Red wine or sparkling water also pairs nicely. Fresh herbs on top give color and a light touch. Serve hot to enjoy the creamy beans and tender meat texture fully.

Best Sides To Serve With

• Crusty French bread
• Simple green salad
• Mashed potatoes
• Buttered noodles
• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed green beans

Storage and Reheating Tips

Let leftovers cool fully before storing. Keep cassoulet in airtight containers in the fridge for three days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to two months.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the slow cooker. Add a little broth if it seems too thick. Avoid overheating to keep beans from breaking too much.

FAQs about Thomas Keller Slow Cooker Cassoulet

1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can use canned beans for faster cooking. Add them halfway through cooking time so they do not become too mushy from long heat.

2. Do I need to brown the meat first?

Browning adds deep flavor and color to the cassoulet. You can skip it if rushed, but the Thomas Keller Slow Cooker Cassoulet recipe tastes richer with browning.

3. Can I make this cassoulet ahead of time?

Yes, cassoulet is perfect for advance cooking. The flavors grow stronger in the fridge overnight, making the next day meal even more delicious and comforting.

4. What meat can I substitute in this recipe?

You can use duck, lamb or more sausage instead of chicken. Cassoulet is flexible, and the dish still tastes rich and hearty with different meat choices.

Conclusion

Thomas Keller Slow Cooker Cassoulet recipe is comforting, flavorful and surprisingly easy. You now know how to make Thomas Keller Slow Cooker Cassoulet at home without stress.

With the right ingredients for Thomas Keller Slow Cooker Cassoulet, you get tender beans and savory meats in a rich sauce.

This dish feels special yet simple enough for family dinners. Try it soon and enjoy warm bowls of classic French comfort food.