Soak the Beans:

• Rinse and Soak: Rinse the dried beans under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Meat:

• Sear the Meats: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder cubes and sear until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
• Brown the Duck Legs: In the same pot, add the duck legs and brown them for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• Cook the Sausage: Lastly, add the sausage slices to the pot and brown for about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

• Add Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients:

• Add Beans and Liquid: Add the soaked beans to the pot along with the seared meats. Pour in the chicken or duck broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir in the dried thyme and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring to a Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Slow Cook:

• Cook Low and Slow: Let the cassoulet simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too thick, you can add more broth or water to maintain a stew-like consistency.

Prepare for Baking:

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Transfer to Baking Dish: If using a Dutch oven, you can continue using it. If not, transfer the cassoulet mixture to a large baking dish. Ensure that the meats and beans are evenly distributed.

Add Breadcrumb Topping:

• Mix Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
• Top the Cassoulet: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cassoulet.

Bake:

• Bake Until Golden: Place the cassoulet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. If desired, you can broil it for a few minutes at the end to enhance browning.

Serve:

• Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread and a side salad.