Feijoada-Inspired Black Bean Stew with Pork and Smoked Sausage

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

A hearty Brazilian black bean stew enriched with tender pork shoulder and smoky sausage, simmered slowly with spices for a comforting meal. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 165 minutes pairs dried black beans, water, pound 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups dried black beans and soak them in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound cubed pork shoulder and 8 ounces sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add the soaked black beans, 8 cups water, 2 bay leaves, 1 strip dried orange peel, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans and pork are tender and stew thickens.
  5. Step 5: Remove bay leaves and orange peel strip before serving. Serve the stew over cooked white rice and garnish with fresh orange slices for a traditional touch.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 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 Smoked 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 Smoked 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 Smoked 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 Smoked Sausage?

Brazilian beef 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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