Slow-Simmered Black Bean Stew with Smoked Pork Shoulder

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

A hearty Brazilian feijoada featuring tender black beans and smoky pork shoulder slowly cooked to create a rich, comforting stew. This brazilian ready in about 630 minutes pairs dried black beans, bacon, chopped, yellow onion, diced 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.

Prep: 480 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 dried black beans under cold water and soak them overnight in 6 cups of water to soften.
  2. Step 2: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 6 oz chopped bacon and cook for 5 minutes until crispy and rendered fat appears.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the bacon fat, sautéing for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Drain the black beans and add them to the pot along with 8 cups water, 1 lb cubed smoked pork shoulder, 8 oz sliced smoked sausage, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until beans are tender and pork is falling apart, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, adjusting to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot with white rice and fresh 1 sliced orange to brighten the rich stew.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 630 minutes (480 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-Simmered Black Bean Stew with Smoked Pork Shoulder?

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-Simmered Black Bean Stew with Smoked Pork Shoulder?

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-Simmered Black Bean Stew with Smoked Pork Shoulder 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-Simmered Black Bean Stew with Smoked Pork Shoulder?

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.

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