Feijoada-Inspired Black Bean and Pork Slow Cooker Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty slow-cooked Brazilian stew with black beans, smoky pork shoulder, and traditional spices that delivers deep, comforting flavors with minimal effort. This brazilian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 440 minutes pairs dried black beans, pork shoulder, bacon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 4 chopped bacon slices until crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer bacon and rendered fat to a slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs pork shoulder cubes to the same skillet and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, then transfer to slow cooker with 8 oz sliced smoked sausage.
  3. Step 3: To the slow cooker, add 1 1/2 cups rinsed dried black beans, 1 large diced onion, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp orange zest, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1 tsp black pepper, and 6 cups water.
  4. Step 4: Stir everything gently to combine, cover, and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beans and pork are tender.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt to taste, remove bay leaves, and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley just before serving. Serve with white rice or collard greens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Feijoada-Inspired Black Bean and Pork Slow Cooker Stew take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Feijoada-Inspired Black Bean and Pork Slow Cooker Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dried black beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Feijoada-Inspired Black Bean and Pork Slow Cooker Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Feijoada-Inspired Black Bean and Pork Slow Cooker Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Feijoada-Inspired Black Bean and Pork Slow Cooker Stew?

Brazilian slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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