Spicy Brazilian Feijoada with Black Beans and Pork

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

A hearty and smoky stew from Brazil, combining black beans with tender pork cuts and a blend of warming spices. This Brazilian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 145 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 450 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 130 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups dried black beans and soak them overnight in cold water.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 oz diced bacon and sauté for 5 minutes until crisp and rendered fat is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large finely chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, cooking for 4 minutes until softened and aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 lb cubed pork shoulder and 8 oz sliced smoked sausage, browning the meat for 6-7 minutes until edges are caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Drain soaked black beans and add them to the pot along with 6 cups water, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp paprika, zest and juice of 1 orange. Bring to a boil.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and the stew thickens.
  7. Step 7: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Brazilian Feijoada with Black Beans and Pork take to make?

Total time is about 145 minutes (15 min prep + 130 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 Spicy Brazilian Feijoada with Black Beans and 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 Spicy Brazilian Feijoada with Black Beans and 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 Spicy Brazilian Feijoada with Black Beans and 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 Spicy Brazilian Feijoada with Black Beans and 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.

Related recipes