Feijoada-inspired Black Bean and Sausage Casserole

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

A hearty Brazilian black bean stew layered with smoky sausage and slow-cooked to meld rich flavors in a comforting casserole. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 125 minutes pairs dried black beans, water, bacon, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 110 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried black beans and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add 4 oz diced bacon and cook for 5 minutes until crispy and fat is rendered.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced smoked sausage, 1 finely chopped medium onion, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onion softens and the sausage browns lightly.
  4. Step 4: Add the soaked black beans, 4 cups water, 2 bay leaves, and 1 strip of fresh orange peel to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until beans are tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the bay leaves and orange peel. Season the stew with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Mash some beans with the back of a spoon to thicken the stew slightly.
  6. Step 6: Serve the black bean and sausage casserole over 2 cups cooked white rice, garnished with 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley for brightness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Feijoada-inspired Black Bean and Sausage Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 125 minutes (15 min prep + 110 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 Sausage Casserole?

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 Sausage Casserole?

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 Sausage Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Sausage Casserole?

Brazilian pork 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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