Slow-Cooked Beef with Black Beans and Coconut Sauce

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

Tender beef braised in a rich coconut sauce with black beans and traditional Brazilian spices, simmered until melt-in-your-mouth soft. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 150 minutes blends beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes, (13.5 oz) coconut milk, medium onion, finely chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 135 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes, turning regularly until a deep crust forms.
  2. Step 2: Remove beef and set aside. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; cook for 1 minute until spices bloom.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to pot along with 1 cup soaked black beans, 2 cups beef broth, and 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2 hours until beef and beans are tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove lid and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken the sauce, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Serve hot with white rice or farofa.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef with Black Beans and Coconut Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (15 min prep + 135 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Beef with Black Beans and Coconut Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef with Black Beans and Coconut Sauce?

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 Slow-Cooked Beef with Black Beans and Coconut Sauce 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 Slow-Cooked Beef with Black Beans and Coconut Sauce?

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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