Slow Cooker Brazilian Feijoada for Easy Weeknight Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, you can sear the pork cubes in a hot skillet before placing them in the slow cooker. This adds a layer of caramelization that deepens the overall taste of the stew. If you choose to do this, ensure you deglaze the pan with a little bit of the beef broth to capture all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

If you find the stew is too thin after cooking, you can leave the lid slightly ajar for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Alternatively, mashing a small portion of the beans against the side of the slow cooker insert and stirring them back in will naturally thicken the sauce without needing any extra ingredients. Always adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper only after the cooking is complete.

Variations

• Spicy Feijoada: Add a finely diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker along with the beans for a gentle heat that complements the smoky sausage.
• Vegetable-Rich Version: Incorporate diced carrots or bell peppers into the pot before cooking to add extra texture and subtle sweetness to the stew, which pairs well with the black beans.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until steaming hot throughout.

Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to airtight containers. Properly stored in the refrigerator, the feijoada will maintain its quality for up to three days. When reheating, ensure the stew is heated thoroughly until it is steaming hot throughout to ensure food safety.

Feijoada is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. This makes it a convenient option for meal planning.

Serving ideas

Serve the feijoada hot in deep, individual bowls to capture all the juices. It is traditionally accompanied by steamed white rice, which helps to balance the rich, savory nature of the stew.

A side of thinly sliced collard greens or a fresh orange salad provides a bright, acidic contrast that cuts through the heartiness of the beans and meat, creating a more balanced dining experience.

For a complete meal, consider serving the stew with a side of toasted farofa, which is a toasted cassava flour mixture common in Brazilian cuisine. This adds a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender beans and meat.

A simple garnish of fresh parsley or cilantro can also be added just before serving to provide a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to the finished dish.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Brazilian Feijoada for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Prep 15 minCook 6 hRest 3 minTotal 6 h 18 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups beef broth

Instructions

1. Place the cubed pork shoulder and the sliced smoked sausage into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Ensure the meat is evenly distributed across the bottom of the vessel.
2. Scatter the drained and rinsed black beans over the meat layer. Once the beans are evenly distributed, place the bay leaves on top of the bean layer.
3. Pour the beef broth over the ingredients. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours until the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) and the sausage reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the meat rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

9 g

Sugar

1 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.