Slow-Cooked Brazilian Black Bean Feijoada

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

A hearty Brazilian stew combining black beans with pork and beef, simmered slowly to develop rich, deep flavors. This brazilian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 165 minutes pairs black beans, water, smoked pork shoulder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups black beans under cold water and soak in water overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz diced smoked pork shoulder, 8 oz diced beef chuck, and 6 oz sliced chorizo sausage to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes until meats begin to brown.
  4. Step 4: Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with 6 cups water, 2 whole bay leaves, and 1 strip of orange peel. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until beans are tender and meat is falling apart.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, removing the bay leaves and orange peel before serving.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro on top for a fresh finish and serve hot with rice or collard greens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Brazilian Black Bean Feijoada 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 Brazilian Black Bean Feijoada?

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 Brazilian Black Bean Feijoada?

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 Brazilian Black Bean Feijoada 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 Brazilian Black Bean Feijoada?

Brazilian slow cooker 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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