Slow-Simmered Brazilian Feijoada with Pork Shoulder and Sausage

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

A rich and hearty Brazilian black bean stew featuring tender pork shoulder, smoky sausage, and bacon simmered slowly to develop deep flavors. This brazilian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 165 minutes pairs black beans, pork shoulder, smoked sausage for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups dried black beans and soak in cold water for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add 6 oz chopped bacon and cook for 5 minutes until crispy and rendered fat releases.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb cubed pork shoulder to the pot and brown on all sides, about 6 minutes, then add 8 oz sliced smoked sausage and cook for another 3 minutes until sausage is slightly browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 diced medium onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add the soaked black beans, 6 cups water, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until beans are tender and pork is falling apart.
  6. Step 6: Stir in juice and zest of 1 orange, discard bay leaves, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes to thicken.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot feijoada over cooked white rice and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Brazilian Feijoada with Pork Shoulder and Sausage 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-Simmered Brazilian Feijoada with Pork Shoulder and 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-Simmered Brazilian Feijoada with Pork Shoulder and 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-Simmered Brazilian Feijoada with Pork Shoulder and 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-Simmered Brazilian Feijoada with Pork Shoulder and Sausage?

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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