BrazilianMedium · Hot
A hearty Brazilian one-pot comfort dish where savory ground beef meets smoky black beans, served over fluffy white rice with a bright squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro.
15 min
35 min
5 min
55 min
Method
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Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and golden. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they break down into a thick sauce base.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Remove from heat and let steam for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Nutri-Score
Excellent balance
A–E · lower is better · score -4
Calories
1277
per serving
Protein
68g
Carbs
183g
Fat
29g
Sat. fat
6g
Fiber
26g
Sugar
9g
Sodium
2026mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Very high impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
13
per serving
Water
2.3m³
Runoff
0.3g P
Ground Beef drives 94% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Safety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Ground beef must reach internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to eliminate harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to verify doneness.
Cross Contamination
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw ground beef. Wash all surfaces, hands, and tools with hot soapy water after handling raw meat.
Handling
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling raw ground beef before touching other ingredients or surfaces.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Store in airtight containers and consume within 3-4 days for optimal safety and quality.
High Risk Population
Pregnant individuals, elderly, young children, and immunocompromised persons should ensure ground beef is cooked to 160°F and reheated to165°F before consumption.
Bean Safety
Dried beans must be boiled for at least 10 minutes during cooking to destroy lectins (such as phytohaemagglutinin). Do not use a slow cooker for the initial bean cooking as it may not reach safe temperatures.
Pro Tips
Technique
Do not rush the sofrito — let your onions, garlic, and bell peppers cook until they are silky and golden, almost sweet. This slow start builds the foundation that makes the whole dish sing.
Make Ahead
This dish tastes even better the next day! The beans soak up all the spices overnight, so do not hesitate to make it ahead and reheat gently for a midweek miracle.
Substitution
If you want that signature smoky depth from Minas, swap half the ground beef for ground pork or add a few slices of chopped bacon to the pan before the sofrito.
Presentation
Always finish with fresh cilantro and a generous squeeze of lime — this brightens everything and is absolutely non-negotiable. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side.
From the chef
Ground beef and black beans belong together, and this pot proves it. The beef goes into a sofrito of onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomato, seasoned with cumin and paprika until the spices bloom and the whole base turns fragrant and deep. The beans simmer until tender, then everything comes together with a splash of the bean liquid to keep it loose and saucy. White rice underneath, a fistful of fresh cilantro on top, and a squeeze of lime so bright it cuts right through the richness. Simple, filling, and exactly the kind of plate that makes everyone feel taken care of.
Source: generated · June 10, 2026