Slow-Simmered Feijoada with Black Beans and Pork Shoulder

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and hearty Brazilian stew featuring tender pork shoulder and smoky sausage simmered with black beans and spices. This brazilian-inspired brazilian ready in about 165 minutes pairs dried black beans, water, pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried black beans under cold water and soak them in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain before cooking.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add 4 oz diced bacon and cook for 5 minutes until crispy and fat is rendered.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the bacon fat. Sauté for 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes and 8 oz sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Brown the meat on all sides for 6-7 minutes to develop flavor.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 6 cups water and add the soaked black beans, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp orange zest. Stir well and bring to a boil.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and meat is falling apart.
  7. Step 7: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning with extra salt if needed, and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the stew.
  8. Step 8: Serve hot alongside 4 cups cooked white rice for a comforting traditional Brazilian meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Feijoada with Black Beans and Pork Shoulder 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 Feijoada with Black Beans and 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 Feijoada with Black Beans and 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 Feijoada with Black Beans and 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 Feijoada with Black Beans and 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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