Slow-Simmered Feijoada with Black Beans and Smoked Pork
A rich and hearty Brazilian stew featuring black beans and an assortment of smoked pork cuts simmered to tender perfection. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 195 minutes pairs black beans, smoked pork shoulder, diced, smoked sausage, sliced 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups black beans
- 1 lb smoked pork shoulder, diced
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 oz bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 orange, peeled and quartered
- 6 cups water
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 2 cups black beans and soak them in cold water for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat; add 4 oz chopped bacon and cook for 5 minutes until the fat renders and bacon crisps slightly.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sauté for 4 minutes until onions turn translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 lb diced smoked pork shoulder and 8 oz sliced smoked sausage, cooking for 5 more minutes until meats brown lightly.
- Step 5: Drain the soaked black beans and add them to the pot along with 6 cups water, 2 bay leaves, and 1 peeled quartered orange, which adds subtle citrus aroma.
- Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered, for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally until beans are tender and stew thickens.
- Step 7: Remove the orange pieces and bay leaves, then season with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper to taste.
- Step 8: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving hot with white rice or collard greens.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Feijoada with Black Beans and Smoked Pork take to make?
Total time is about 195 minutes (15 min prep + 180 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 Smoked Pork?
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 Feijoada with Black Beans and Smoked Pork?
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 Smoked Pork 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 Smoked Pork?
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.