Brazilian Feijoada

Total Time

Prep: 40 min. + soaking Cook: 7 hours

Makes

10 servings

Updated: Mar. 21, 2023
A co-worker's mom used to make this feijoada recipe for him and it was his favorite. So I made him my own version. Instead of sausage you can use ham hocks, or substitute lean white meat for the red meat if you prefer. —Christiane Counts, Webster, Texas
Brazilian Feijoada Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces dried black beans (about 1 cup)
  • 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder butt roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 bone-in beef short ribs (about 1-1/2 pounds)
  • 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
  • 1-1/4 cups diced onion
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1-1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 8 ounces smoked sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • Orange sections
  • Hot cooked rice, optional

Directions

  1. Rinse and sort beans. Place in a large saucepan; add water to cover by 2 in. Let soak, covered, overnight. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid.
  2. Return beans to saucepan; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil. Boil 15 minutes. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid.
  3. Place pork roast, short ribs and bacon in a 6-qt. slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, bay leaf and seasonings; pour chicken broth, water and beef broth over meat. Cook, covered, on high 2 hours.
  4. Stir in beans and sausage. Cook, covered, on low 5-6 hours or until meat and beans are tender. Discard bay leaf. Remove short ribs. When cool enough to handle, remove meat from bones; discard bones. Shred meat with 2 forks; return to slow cooker. Top servings with orange sections. If desired, serve with hot cooked rice.
Brazilian Feijoada Tips

What does feijoada mean?

The word feijao translates to bean in Portuguese. Feijoada is a versatile stew of beans, various meats and sausages that's typically served over rice. 

Where does feijoada come from?

Although it originated in Portugal, feijoada is often called the national dish of Brazil. With beans being a central ingredient to Brazil, their version specifically uses black beans due to its high agricultural cultivation of the crop. Although, different regions of Brazil also use brown or red beans.

Can you use canned black beans instead of dried?

If you only have canned black beans in your pantry, you can absolutely use them in place of dried beans. Just note that you would add them towards the end, after you've shredded the meat (instead of stirring them in with the sausage). They only need to cook until they are heated through, otherwise you run the risk of them becoming mushy. Learn more about the best ways to use canned beans.

What do you serve with Brazilian feijoada?

In addition to the rice, feijoada is traditionally served with orange slices, which are believed to increase the absorption of iron from the black beans. Feijoada can also be paired with a vinaigrette salad of tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.

How should you store leftover feijoada?

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you are adding this dish to your meal prep recipe rotation, it can easily be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 4 months. If you liked this recipe, be sure to keep more international foods in mind, like pacoca, Brazilian peanut candy and pão de quiejo, Brazilian cheese bread.

—Mark Neufang, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant and Ellie Crowley, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 481 calories, 27g fat (11g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 772mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 41g protein.