Slow-Cooked Brazilian Feijoada with Smoked Sausage

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

A hearty Brazilian black bean stew simmered with smoked sausage, pork, and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting meal. This brazilian ready in about 170 minutes pairs black beans, sliced smoked sausage, cubed pork shoulder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 150 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups of black beans under cold water and soak them 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 diced medium onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb cubed pork shoulder and 8 oz sliced smoked sausage to the pot, cooking for 5 minutes until the pork browns slightly and the sausage releases aroma.
  4. Step 4: Drain the soaked black beans and add them to the pot with 6 cups water, 2 bay leaves, and 1 strip of orange peel. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until the beans are tender and the pork is soft, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, adjust to taste. Remove bay leaves and orange peel before serving.
  7. Step 7: Serve the feijoada hot over 4 cups cooked white rice, sprinkled with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro for freshness and color.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Brazilian Feijoada with Smoked Sausage take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 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 Feijoada with Smoked Sausage?

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 Feijoada with Smoked Sausage?

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 Feijoada with Smoked Sausage 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 Feijoada with Smoked Sausage?

Brazilian brazilian 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.