Feijoada-Style Black Bean Stew with Pork and Sausage
A hearty Brazilian-style black bean stew slow-cooked with tender pork shoulder and smoky sausage for rich, comforting flavors. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 165 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 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried black beans
- 8 cups water
- 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 strip orange peel (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 pound dried black beans thoroughly and soak them in cold water for at least 8 hours or overnight; drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large heavy pot, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Add 1 pound cubed pork shoulder and 8 ounces sliced smoked sausage; brown the meat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until edges are nicely seared.
- Step 4: Add the soaked black beans, 8 cups water, 2 bay leaves, 1 strip orange peel (optional), 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until beans and pork are tender and stew is thickened.
- Step 5: Remove bay leaves and orange peel. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving for a fresh herbal finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Feijoada-Style Black Bean Stew with Pork and 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-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made it exactly as written—rich, authentic flavor. My husband asked for seconds!
- ★★★★★
This feijoada was a hit at my Sunday family gathering! The pork and beans were perfectly tender.
- ★★★★★
Loved the depth of flavor. Served with rice and collard greens for a true Brazilian feast.







