Slow-Cooked Black Bean Stew with Smoked Pork

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

A hearty, smoky stew featuring tender black beans and pork, simmered to perfection with Brazilian spices. This brazilian-inspired soups ready in about 495 minutes pairs black beans, smoked pork shoulder, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1.5 cups black beans and soak overnight. Drain and transfer to a slow cooker with 8 oz smoked pork shoulder, 1 medium diced onion, 2 diced celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup diced tomatoes, 3 cups chicken broth, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp cumin to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender and beans are creamy, or on high for 4 hours.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pork shoulder, shred it, and return it to the pot. Discard bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 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 Smoked Pork?

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 from drying out.

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

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 Smoked Pork 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 Smoked Pork?

Brazilian soups 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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