Slow-Simmered Brazilian Feijoada with Smoked Pork and Beef

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

A hearty Brazilian black bean stew slow-cooked with salted pork, smoked sausage, and beef ribs, served traditionally over fluffy white rice. This brazilian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 210 minutes pairs dried black beans, water, smoked pork shoulder, cubed 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 195 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups dried black beans under cold water, then soak in 4 cups water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: In a large heavy pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat and add 6 oz chopped bacon, cooking until crispy, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 6 minced garlic cloves to the bacon and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with 8 cups fresh water, 12 oz cubed smoked pork shoulder, 10 oz beef short ribs, 8 oz sliced smoked sausage, and 2 bay leaves.
  5. Step 5: Squeeze the juice from 1 small peeled and quartered orange into the pot and add the orange pieces as well for a subtle citrus aroma.
  6. Step 6: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cover partially, cooking gently for 2.5 to 3 hours until the beans are tender and meats are falling apart.
  7. Step 7: Remove the meat from the pot and shred or chop it into bite-size pieces, then return it to the stew.
  8. Step 8: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes to thicken the broth.
  9. Step 9: Serve hot feijoada over 1 cup cooked white rice per serving, garnishing with orange slices or chopped parsley if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Brazilian Feijoada with Smoked Pork and Beef take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (15 min prep + 195 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 Smoked Pork and Beef?

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 Brazilian Feijoada with Smoked Pork and Beef?

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 Smoked Pork and Beef 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 Smoked Pork and Beef?

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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