Feijoada-Inspired Black Bean and Pork Stew

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

A hearty Brazilian black bean stew simmered with tender pork shoulder, smoky sausage, and traditional spices. This brazilian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 145 minutes pairs dried black beans, water, pork shoulder, cubed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 130 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 lb dried black beans and soak them in cold water for at least 4 hours or overnight; drain before cooking.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat and add 1 lb cubed pork shoulder; brown on all sides for about 8 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced smoked sausage, 1 large diced onion, and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 5 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add soaked black beans, 8 cups water, 2 bay leaves, 1 strip orange peel, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp cumin powder; bring to a boil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans and pork are tender and stew thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaves and orange peel; adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot garnished with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro alongside white rice.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 145 minutes (15 min prep + 130 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 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 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 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 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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