Smoked Pork and Black Bean Stew

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

A hearty Brazilian stew featuring tender smoked pork and black beans simmered with aromatic vegetables. This brazilian ready in about 150 minutes pairs Dried black beans, Smoked pork shoulder, Smoked bacon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 (95 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 135 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 1 cup dried black beans in cold water overnight, then drain and rinse.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, combine drained beans, 1 lb smoked pork shoulder cubes, 4 oz diced bacon, 1 chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced carrot, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 diced tomato. Add 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork shoulder, shred, and return to pot. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Pork and Black Bean Stew take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (15 min prep + 135 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 Smoked Pork and Black Bean Stew?

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 Smoked Pork and Black Bean Stew?

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 Smoked Pork and Black Bean Stew 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 Smoked Pork and Black Bean Stew?

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.