Slow-Cooker White Bean & Sausage Cassoulet

Cook the sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high, stirring to crumble the sausage, until the oil begins to release, about 2 minutes. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and 2 tablespoons of the thyme to the skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Stir in the tomatoes, pepper, and salt; bring to a boil over medium-high.

Transfer the sausage mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker; stir in the chicken stock. Mash 1/2 cup of the rinsed beans. Add the mashed and whole beans to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW until the vegetables are tender, 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium. Add the panko, and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir the remaining 1 teaspoon thyme into the panko. Divide the sausage mixture among 4 bowls; top with the toasted panko mixture, and serve immediately.