Delicious Crockpot Sausage with Green Beans in a slow cooker

Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans

Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh Same. This crockpot sausage and green beans dish basically does the heavy lifting while you binge that show or pretend to fold laundry. It smells like comfort and tastes like dinner you actually want to eat twice.

Want a green side that is not boring and pairs perfectly with weeknight chaos Try adding a simple sautéed green to the rotation like this one I love for speed and flavor garlic sauteed dandelion greens.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This recipe hits so many sweet spots. It is mostly dump and go which means fewer decisions at dinner time. The kielbasa brings smoky, salty goodness that turns plain green beans and potatoes into a party in your slow cooker. Potatoes soak up flavor like tiny sponges and the butter gives a silky finish that makes everyone smile.

Also it is idiot proof Even I did not mess this up the first time and I am a proven serial overcooker. Want variety Want easy cleanup Want a weekend meal that makes you look like you have your life together This does the job. FYI this is a real crowd pleaser.

For a fun twist try serving this with a quick stir fry or a beef and broccoli style side to make it a full comfort meal beef and broccoli Chinese recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 lb 450 g kielbasa or smoked sausage sliced into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 lb 450 g fresh green beans trimmed or 2 cans 15 oz green beans drained
  • 1 lb 450 g baby potatoes halved red or yellow potatoes work well
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup 240 ml chicken broth low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons butter cut into pieces
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish Optional

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Yes the measurements are flexible Use what you have and do not panic if you substitute a potato type or skip the Parmesan

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Add sliced kielbasa green beans potatoes and onions to the crockpot. Layering does not need to be perfect just get everything in there.
  2. Sprinkle with garlic minced garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt and pepper. Spread the spices so they touch lots of pieces.
  3. Pour chicken broth over the top and dot with butter pieces. The broth keeps things juicy and the butter adds richness.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well combined. Set your timer and chill out.
  5. Gently stir halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. This helps prevent hot spots and lets the sausage flavor mingle.
  6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired before serving. Add the parsley for brightness and the cheese for a little savory finish.

Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Thinking you can skip the garlic because one clove is fine Wrong Garlic is the friendship of the dish.
  • Overcrowding the crockpot so potatoes never cook through Do not cram it like a suitcase. Give food room to breathe.
  • Using regular broth that is too salty If your kielbasa is salty go with low sodium broth or reduce added salt. Salt balance matters
  • Forgetting to stain test the potatoes halfway through Some potatoes vary in size so check for tenderness once or twice.
  • Ignoring the halfway stir This is not optional unless you like unevenly cooked potatoes and sad beans.

Alternatives & Substitutions

You do not have to follow this recipe like a vow. Swap it around.

  • No kielbasa Try chicken sausages or smoked turkey sausage for less fat. They still add smoky vibes.
  • No potatoes Swap in small sweet potatoes or toss in parboiled rice near the end for a grain twist. If you want to try something fun while you wait I once occupied a kid with homemade kinetic sand and it worked like a charm basic kinetic sand. Yes that is random but practical.
  • Fresh beans not available Use canned beans but reduce cooking time a bit so they do not turn to mush.
  • Dairy free Use a plant based butter or olive oil instead of butter. Flavor will change slightly but it still works.
  • Spicier mood Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap smoked paprika for hot smoked paprika.

My opinion IMO you should not be afraid to experiment. Swap one thing at a time and learn what you like best.

Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans

FAQ

Q What if I only have frozen green beans Can I use them
A Sure frozen works well Toss them in straight from the bag and maybe reduce cook time by 30 to 60 minutes on low. They release water so watch the texture.

Q Can I use margarine instead of butter
A Well technically yes but why hurt your soul like that Butter brings a flavor depth margarine tries but fails to replicate.

Q Do I need to brown the kielbasa first
A No you do not need to Browning adds texture but the slow cooker will deliver lots of flavor without the extra step. If you want crispy edges brown slices in a skillet then add to the crockpot near the end.

Q Can I make this ahead and reheat
A Absolutely Make it a day ahead and reheat gently on low in the crockpot or in a pan on the stove Add a splash of broth if it looks dry.

Q Is this freezer friendly
A Yes but with a caveat Potatoes change texture after freezing Best to freeze uncooked sausage with spices and add fresh potatoes when you cook next time.

Q How do I keep green beans bright and not mushy
A Do not overcook and consider adding fresh beans in the last hour if you do a long slow cook. Quick stir before serving helps assess texture.

Q What if my kielbasa is extra salty Should I reduce salt
A Yes reduce added salt and taste at the end before adding more. Salt levels vary wildly between brands.

Final Thoughts

This crockpot sausage and green beans recipe gives you big flavor with minimal fuss. It looks like effort but it is basically lazy genius territory. Pro tip use low sodium broth if your sausage is on the salty side and always taste before adjusting salt. That single habit will save many dinners.

Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills You earned it and you deserve to eat well with zero drama

Conclusion

If you want a slightly different take or to compare versions try the original inspiration at Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans – Brooklyn Farm Girl for more ideas and tweaks.

Print
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Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans


  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 375 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A lazy genius crockpot recipe for sausage and green beans that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed or 2 cans (15 oz) green beans, drained
  • 1 lb (450 g) baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • For Garnish (Optional):
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Add sliced kielbasa, green beans, potatoes, and onions to the crockpot.
  2. Sprinkle with garlic, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour chicken broth over the top and dot with butter pieces.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Gently stir halfway through cooking.
  6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ingredients based on availability. Experimenting is encouraged!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 360 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: crockpot, sausage, green beans, easy dinner, comfort food

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