Slow-Cooked Black Bean Stew with Dried Beef

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

A hearty Brazilian-style stew combining tender slow-cooked black beans with savory, shredded dried beef, seasoned with traditional spices. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 490 minutes pairs dried black beans, water, dried beef (carne seca), shredded for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 10 min Cook: 480 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried black beans thoroughly and soak them overnight in 3 cups cold water.
  2. Step 2: Drain the soaked beans and add them to a slow cooker with 4 cups fresh water, 1 bay leaf, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until beans are tender.
  3. Step 3: While beans cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp ground cumin to the onions and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 8 oz shredded dried beef to the skillet and stir for 3 minutes until heated through and beginning to brown slightly.
  6. Step 6: When beans are tender, remove the bay leaf and stir the dried beef mixture into the beans. Simmer together on low for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Step 7: Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Black Bean Stew with Dried Beef take to make?

Total time is about 490 minutes (10 min prep + 480 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 Stew with Dried Beef?

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 Black Bean Stew with Dried Beef?

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 Stew with Dried Beef 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 Black Bean Stew with Dried Beef?

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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