Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans dish is comfort food at its finest. The slow cooking process ensures that every ingredient soaks up the rich flavors of the kielbasa and spices, resulting in a deliciously savory and satisfying meal. The baby potatoes add a hearty texture, while the green beans provide freshness and a nice crunch. Plus, it’s an incredibly easy recipe—just toss everything into the crockpot, set it, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday dinner, it’s a low-effort, high-reward meal.

Ingredients

• 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the kielbasa into 1-inch pieces, trimming the green beans, and halving the baby potatoes. Mince the garlic and chop the onion.
2. Assemble in the Crockpot: Place the sliced kielbasa, green beans, baby potatoes, onion, and garlic into the crockpot. Add the chicken broth, ensuring that all the ingredients are coated with the liquid.
3. Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together gently to combine and distribute the seasonings.
4. Top with Butter: Place the butter pieces on top of the mixture in the crockpot. This will melt into the ingredients as it cooks, adding richness and flavor.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, give the dish a final stir. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Total Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)

Variations

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or corn for more variety and color.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a bit of heat in the dish.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Skip the butter and Parmesan garnish to make the dish dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or heat in a skillet over medium heat. You can also warm it in the crockpot on low for about 30 minutes if you have leftovers.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen green beans work well in this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen vegetables may cook faster than fresh.

2. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! You can swap kielbasa for any smoked sausage, Italian sausage, or even bratwurst for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?

Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop by simmering all the ingredients in a large pot over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. How do I know when the potatoes are cooked?

The potatoes should be fork-tender and easily pierced with a knife when they’re done cooking. If they’re still firm, continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes.

5. Can I use canned potatoes instead of fresh?

Fresh potatoes will yield the best texture, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use canned potatoes. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the crockpot.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything in the crockpot the night before, then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just start the slow cooker as usual.

7. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

8. What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a simple salad, cornbread, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

9. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is not inherently spicy. However, you can add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to give it a little kick if you prefer a spicier flavor.

Conclusion

Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans is a flavorful, satisfying, and incredibly easy meal to prepare. With its combination of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh vegetables, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Let the slow cooker do all the work, and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort!

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