Savory Brazilian Black Bean Stew with Sausage

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

A hearty, slow-cooked black bean stew infused with smoky sausage and earthy spices, inspired by regional Brazilian comfort food. This brazilian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 120 minutes pairs dried, soaked overnight black beans, olive oil, sliced smoked sausage for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 105 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain 2 cups soaked black beans and rinse. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 8 oz sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5 minutes until edges brown and release smoky aroma.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sauté for 4 minutes until onion softens and becomes translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir in drained beans, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 6 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours until beans are tender and stew thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Brazilian Black Bean Stew with Sausage take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (15 min prep + 105 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 Savory Brazilian Black Bean Stew with 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Brazilian Black Bean Stew with 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 Savory Brazilian Black Bean Stew with 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 Savory Brazilian Black Bean Stew with Sausage?

Brazilian slow cooker 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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