Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans is a hearty, comforting slow cooker dish made with smoky sausage, tender green beans, and flavorful potatoes simmered in a savory broth. This simple one-pot meal is perfect for busy days when you want a filling, home-style dinner with minimal prep. The kielbasa infuses the vegetables with rich flavor while everything becomes perfectly tender in the crockpot.
Ingredients
For the Kielbasa and Vegetables
- 1½ lbs smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1½ lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Cracked black pepper
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Slice kielbasa into bite-size rounds. Trim green beans and halve potatoes if large. Slice onion and mince garlic.
Step 2: Layer in Crockpot
Add potatoes and green beans to slow cooker. Top with sliced kielbasa, onion, and garlic.
Step 3: Season and Add Liquid
Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder evenly over ingredients. Pour chicken broth around the sides. Dot butter pieces on top.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and flavors are blended.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Gently stir before serving so sausage juices coat vegetables. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Variations
- Add sliced carrots for extra sweetness and color
- Use turkey kielbasa for lighter version
- Include chopped cabbage for rustic stew style
- Add red pepper flakes for gentle heat
- Swap baby potatoes for diced russet or Yukon gold
- Stir in a splash of cream at end for richer sauce
- Add bacon pieces for deeper smoky flavor
- Use Italian sausage instead of kielbasa for different profile
Cooking Notes
- Fresh green beans hold texture better than canned
- Do not overfill crockpot; vegetables need space to cook evenly
- Potatoes should be similar size for even tenderness
- Kielbasa releases salt, so season lightly at first
- Butter adds richness and glossy finish to broth
- Cooking on LOW develops deeper flavor
- If sauce seems thin, uncover last 20 minutes to reduce
- Stir gently to avoid breaking soft potatoes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a complete one-pot meal in bowls
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up broth
- Serve alongside cornbread or biscuits
- Add a simple green salad for freshness
- Top with grated Parmesan for savory finish
- Serve over rice for heartier portion
- Add a spoon of Dijon mustard for tangy contrast
Tips
- Brown kielbasa briefly before adding for extra flavor
- Cut larger potatoes smaller so they cook through
- Trim tough bean ends for better texture
- Taste broth before serving and adjust salt
- Leftovers thicken and taste even better next day
- Store refrigerated up to 4 days
- Reheat gently with splash of broth
- Freeze portions up to 2 months
Prep Time / Cook Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours LOW or 3–4 hours HIGH
Total Time: About 6 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Info (Approx.)
Calories: 420 per serving
Protein: 18g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 32g
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, add them frozen; cooking time stays the same.
Do I need to cook kielbasa first?
No, it’s fully cooked, but browning adds extra flavor.
Can I make this without potatoes?
Yes, substitute cauliflower or extra green beans.
Conclusion
Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans is a simple, satisfying slow cooker dinner with smoky sausage, tender vegetables, and savory broth. Easy to prepare and full of comforting flavor, this hearty one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.