Slow-Cooked Beef with Brazilian Black Beans

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

A hearty stew combining tender beef simmered with traditional Brazilian black beans and spices for a comforting, protein-rich meal. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 165 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, dried black beans, onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 150 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried black beans thoroughly and soak in water for at least 4 hours or overnight, then drain.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes and sear for 4-5 minutes until all sides are browned, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 finely chopped medium onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cumin powder, 2 bay leaves, and season with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Add the soaked and drained black beans and pour in 4 cups beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is tender and beans are creamy.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and sprinkle with 2 tbsp freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef with Brazilian Black Beans 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 Slow-Cooked Beef with Brazilian Black Beans?

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 Slow-Cooked Beef with Brazilian Black Beans?

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 Brazilian Black Beans 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 Slow-Cooked Beef with Brazilian Black Beans?

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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