Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering French classic that'll make your taste buds dance! This Spinach Tomato and Bacon Cassoulet is not just another boring casserole - it's a flavor-packed, rustic dish that combines the smoky richness of bacon, the earthy freshness of spinach, and the comforting warmth of white beans. Perfect for those nights when you want to impress your family or guests with a restaurant-worthy meal that looks complicated but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 65 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 can white beans, drained
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the cassoulet cooks evenly and develops a nice crust on top.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy and has rendered its fat, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh spinach to the skillet with the onions. Cook until the spinach wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes and drained white beans to the skillet. Sprinkle in the thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
- Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the cooked bacon with the breadcrumbs. Mix well to ensure the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
- Sprinkle the bacon and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the spinach, tomato, and bean mixture in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, remove the cassoulet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to serve.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Spinach Tomato and Bacon Cassoulet with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture
- Make sure to drain the white beans thoroughly to prevent excess moisture
- Don't skip letting the dish rest after baking - this helps the flavors meld together
- For extra richness, you can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the cassoulet for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking
- Choose fresh, high-quality tomatoes and spinach for the best taste
- Serve immediately while the top is still crispy and golden brown
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a light red wine or crisp white wine
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
