Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans
A cozy, flavorful meal that simmers to perfection in your crockpot can elevate any dinner table. Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans is an excellent choice for those busy days when you want something hearty and flavorful without feeling overwhelmed by the cooking process.
This dish combines the savory flavor of kielbasa with fresh green beans and tender baby potatoes, creating a delightful meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. As the ingredients slowly cook together, they develop a rich, comforting flavor profile that can please the entire family. Plus, this recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Why make this recipe
Crockpot meals have become a beloved option for many households due to their convenience and the irresistible aromas that fill the home as they cook. The beauty of making Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans lies in its simplicity and the variety of flavors that come from just a handful of quality ingredients. You can set everything in the pot before heading off to work or taking care of your daily errands, and by the time you’re back home, a warm, delicious meal awaits.
Moreover, this dish not only saves time but also reduces the stress associated with meal preparation. There’s no need for extensive chopping or multiple pots and pans; the crockpot handles it all in one vessel. This means fewer dishes to wash, which is a win for any busy cook. Plus, the ingredients meld together beautifully during the slow cooking process, allowing the flavors to intensify and develop, resulting in a dish that feels far more complex than it really is.
How to make Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans
Making Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans is an easy and straightforward process that even novice cooks can master. The first step is to gather and prepare all the ingredients, ensuring that everything is ready to go into the crockpot. Slicing the kielbasa, trimming the green beans, and halving the baby potatoes can be done in just a few minutes. This preparation not only saves time later but also ensures that your ingredients are all ready to meld together in the crockpot.
Once everything is prepped, you simply layer the sausage, fresh vegetables, and seasonings in the crockpot. A hearty chicken broth is added to infuse moisture and depth to the dish, making it irresistible. After a gentle stir to mix the ingredients, you cover the pot and let the appliance do its magic. You have the choice of low and slow cooking for hours or a quicker high setting, depending on your schedule. Regardless of the method chosen, the end result is tender meat and vegetables that create a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Place the sliced kielbasa, green beans, and baby potatoes into the crockpot.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender and flavors melded.
- Serve warm and enjoy a hearty meal!
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
How to serve Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans
Serving Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans is as simple as ladling the hearty mixture into bowls. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crusty bread, allowing everyone to soak up the delicious broth. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast to the hearty meal. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley on top can elevate the presentation and add a touch of brightness to the dish.
Feel free to customize the serving style based on your family’s preferences. For instance, some might enjoy adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese to their bowls. The flexibility of this dish means it can evolve to fit occasion and taste.
How to store Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans
Storing any leftovers from your Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans is straightforward. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
If you are planning to keep leftovers for a longer period, consider freezing. Place the cooled meal in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before warming it on low in a saucepan or in the microwave.
Tips to make Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans
To make your Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans even more delightful, consider experimenting with different types of ingredients based on what you have on hand. While this recipe is excellent as-is, adding in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini can enhance both the flavor and nutrition profile of the dish.
Another great tip is to sear the kielbasa in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. Browning the sausage adds a layer of flavor that enhances the overall richness of the meal. Additionally, adjusting the seasonings is crucial—don’t hesitate to taste as it cooks and tweak the salt, pepper, or even add a bit of hot sauce for a kick.
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use another type of sausage?
A: Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with other sausages like Italian sausage or smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: You can replace the sausage with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
Q: What if I don’t have a crockpot?
A: You can make this dish in a Dutch oven or a heavy pot on the stovetop, adjusting cooking times as needed to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather and prepare all the ingredients, slicing the kielbasa, trimming the green beans, and halving the baby potatoes.
- Place the sliced kielbasa, green beans, and baby potatoes into the crockpot.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender and flavors melded.
- Serve warm and enjoy a hearty meal!
