Instant Pot Brazilian Pork Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder stewed with sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic spices in an Instant Pot, resulting in a rich and comforting Brazilian-inspired dish. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 60 minutes pairs large red bell pepper, sliced, large yellow bell pepper, sliced, large onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 2 pounds cubed pork shoulder and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced onion and 4 cloves minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1.5 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1.5 cups chicken broth, 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, 1 large sliced red bell pepper, and 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 30 minutes. Once done, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
  6. Step 6: Open the lid, stir the stew, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Pot Brazilian Pork Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Instant Pot Brazilian Pork Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Peppers?

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 large red bell pepper, sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Brazilian Pork Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Peppers?

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 Instant Pot Brazilian Pork Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Peppers 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 Instant Pot Brazilian Pork Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Peppers?

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.