Slow-Cooked Black Bean and Pork Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Brazil’s iconic hearty black bean stew simmered with a variety of pork cuts and smoky sausage for rich, comforting flavors. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 200 minutes pairs black beans (dried), water, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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: 180 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 lb dried black beans and soak in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain before cooking.
  2. Step 2: In a large heavy pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 6 oz diced bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes and 8 oz sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Brown the meat on all sides for 6-7 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 large chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  5. Step 5: Add the soaked black beans, 8 cups water, 2 bay leaves, 1 peeled and quartered orange, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally until beans are very tender and the stew thickens.
  7. Step 7: Remove orange quarters and bay leaves. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Black Bean and Pork Stew take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Black Bean and Pork Stew?

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 black beans (dried) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Black Bean and Pork Stew?

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 Black Bean and Pork Stew 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 Black Bean and Pork Stew?

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.

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