Feijoada-Inspired Black Bean Stew with Pork and Sausage

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

A hearty black bean stew featuring tender pork shoulder and smoky sausage, simmered until rich and flavorful in the spirit of Brazil's iconic feijoada. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 130 minutes pairs dried black beans, water, pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried black beans and soak in water overnight or for at least 8 hours, then drain.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 lb cubed pork shoulder and 8 oz sliced smoked sausage, browning for 5-7 minutes until nicely caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 6 cups water along with the soaked black beans, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tsp fresh orange peel. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until beans are tender and stew thickens.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Remove bay leaves, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and serve hot with white rice or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 130 minutes (10 min prep + 120 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 Stew with Pork and Sausage?

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 Stew with Pork and Sausage?

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 Stew with Pork and Sausage 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 Stew with Pork and Sausage?

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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