Slow-Cooked Feijoada with Black Beans and Smoked Sausage

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

A hearty Brazilian stew featuring black beans, smoked sausage, and tender pork simmered to perfection for rich, deep flavors. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs dried black beans, water, smoked sausage, sliced 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 130 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried black beans and soak them in water overnight or at least 8 hours. Drain and set aside.
  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, sautéing 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, browning the meat for 5-6 minutes until edges are lightly crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the drained black beans, 6 cups water, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours until beans are tender and pork is soft.
  5. Step 5: Remove bay leaves, squeeze juice from 1 medium orange into the stew, and stir well. Simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes to thicken the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Serve hot with white rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Feijoada with Black Beans and Smoked Sausage take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (10 min prep + 130 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 Feijoada with Black Beans and 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 dried black beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Feijoada with Black Beans and 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 Feijoada with Black Beans and 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 Feijoada with Black Beans and Smoked Sausage?

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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