Vegetarian Cassoulet Recipe: Easy & Delicious Guide

If you’re craving a rich, hearty dish that warms you from the inside out, look no further than this vegetarian cassoulet recipe. Traditionally a French slow-cooked casserole packed with meats and beans, our vegetarian version offers all the comforting textures and bold flavors without any animal products.

It’s perfect for cozy evenings or when you want to impress guests with a gourmet yet wholesome meal. Filled with tender white beans, an assortment of fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this cassoulet is a delicious plant-based twist on a classic.

This dish is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrition and fiber, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians and anyone looking to eat more plant-forward meals. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead for easy weeknight dinners.

Dive in, and let this vegetarian cassoulet become your new favorite comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian Cassoulet is a fantastic way to enjoy the essence of French cooking without the meat. The blend of creamy beans, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that’s both filling and flavorful.

Its slow-cooked nature allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, stew-like casserole that’s ideal for colder months or anytime you need a comforting meal.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with the vegetables you have on hand or swap beans according to your preference.

It’s a great source of protein and fiber, making it perfect for a balanced diet. Plus, it reheats wonderfully, so leftovers taste just as good the next day.

If you enjoy this cassoulet, be sure to check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for more slow-cooked comfort meals, and don’t miss the Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals to add more greens to your repertoire.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans), soaked overnight
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat or gluten-free if needed)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon tomato paste for deeper flavor

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander (for draining beans)
• Oven-safe casserole dish (if finishing in the oven)
• Mixing bowl (for breadcrumbs)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Place them in a large pot, cover with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes or until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
3. Add garlic and mushrooms: Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and mushrooms begin to release their moisture.
4. Add squash and tomatoes: Mix in the butternut squash cubes and canned diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Season and add broth: Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and, if using, the tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Simmer with beans: Add the cooked beans to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld.
7. Prepare breadcrumb topping: While the cassoulet simmers, toss the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil in a small bowl.
8. Finish in oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the cassoulet mixture to an oven-safe casserole dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
9. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
10. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, discard bay leaves, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, consider roasting the vegetables before adding them to the pot.

You can substitute white beans with chickpeas or navy beans if preferred.

If you like a smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional cassoulet, add a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.

For gluten-free breadcrumbs, try crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.

Leftovers taste amazing and can be reheated on the stove or in the oven.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian cassoulet pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside warm crusty bread or a soft loaf like our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

To complement the rich flavors, a chilled glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with fresh herbs works beautifully. For a cozy family dinner, add a side of roasted seasonal vegetables or a light vegetable soup such as our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.

Conclusion

This vegetarian cassoulet recipe brings a beloved French classic into the plant-based realm with ease and delicious results. Its rich, hearty, and comforting qualities make it an excellent choice for anyone craving a nourishing and flavorful meal without meat.

The combination of tender beans, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs slow-cooked to perfection yields a dish that delights the senses and satisfies hunger.

Whether you’re cooking for vegetarians, vegans, or simply looking to reduce meat consumption, this cassoulet is sure to become a favorite. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Don’t forget to explore more recipes like this in our collection, including the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet finish to your meal. Bon appétit!

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