Name: Classic Cassoulet
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 6 duck legs; 6 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 3 Tbsp. plus 2 1/2 tsp.; 4 sprigs thyme; 4 garlic cloves, smashed; 2 tsp. black peppercorns; 1 tsp. juniper berries (optional); 2 whole cloves; 1 large onion, halved through root end; 1 1/2 lb. dried Tarbais, corona, or cannellini beans, soaked overnight, drained; 8 oz. pancetta (leave in 1 thick piece); 2 carrots, scrubbed, halved crosswise if large; 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise; 4 sprigs thyme; 1 bay leaf; Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 lb. skinless, boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), cut into 1" pieces; 1 1/2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil; 1 large onion, peeled, chopped; 1 large carrot, peeled, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 4 sprigs thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 (14.5-oz.) can crushed tomatoes; 6 cups chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth; Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper; 1 lb. fresh pork sausage (such as Toulouse, sweet Italian, or unsmoked kielbasa); 3 cups medium-fine fresh breadcrumbs, divided; 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley

Image may contain Plant Food Produce Vegetable Bean Lentil Cutlery and Spoon

Photo by Alex Lau

Layers of duck, two kinds of sausage, a hearty ragout, and beans make this the comfort meal to end all comfort meals. It’s an occasion to break out the biggest pot you own. Our classic cassoulet recipe takes no shortcuts and requires a little planning, but every step is totally doable, even if you’re not a pro. It requires a few ingredients you won’t find in the typical supermarket. Save yourself from searching all over town and head to D’Artagnan’s website, where you can order French Tarbais beans, precooked garlic sausage, and Moulard duck legs. Just don’t leave this for the last second.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

46 New Year's Dinner Ideas for Ringing in 2025
Say goodbye to 2024 with fancy seafood, cheesy baked pasta, or an elegant roast.
41 Bean Recipes to Make the Most of Pantry Staples
The best recipes to help you make your way through your bean stash.
79 Comfort Food Recipes to Make While Wearing Your Fuzzy Slippers
Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and breakfast-for-dinners that are simple enough to cook on a Tuesday when you need something cozy.
73 Savory Cooking Projects for People Who Just Can't Make Another Loaf of Bread
Layered pastas, hand-rolled dumplings, your own smoked salmon: these are the kinds of projects you take on when you have a bit of extra time on your hands.
45 White Bean Recipes for Soups, Salads, Stews, and More
Sure, you can crack the can and just eat them drizzled with olive oil and doused with salt and pepper. But these creamy beans can do so much more.
43 Ways to Use a Can of Crushed Tomatoes
Let that can of crushed tomatoes inspire your dinner tonight.
Our 35 Best Thyme-Infused Recipes
Our favorite ways to use the lemony, earthy herb.
What to Cook This Weekend: March 16-18
This St. Paddy's weekend, soak up all that beer with chilaquiles—or skip the bars and hole up with a project like cassoulet.