Rio-Style Black Bean Stew with Smoked Sausage

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty black bean stew simmered with smoked sausage and aromatic vegetables, inspired by the vibrant flavors of Rio de Janeiro. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 90 minutes pairs dried black beans, medium, diced onion, medium, diced red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 75 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried black beans and soak them in cold water for at least 4 hours or overnight; drain before cooking.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 1 medium diced red bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp cumin powder, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained black beans, 8 oz sliced smoked sausage, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; bring to a boil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are tender and stew has thickened, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaf, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over each bowl.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rio-Style Black Bean Stew with Smoked Sausage take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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 Rio-Style Black Bean Stew with 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 Rio-Style Black Bean Stew with 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 Rio-Style Black Bean Stew with Smoked Sausage 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 Rio-Style Black Bean Stew with 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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