Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans
Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans is a simple and satisfying dish that combines flavorful sausage with fresh green beans and tender potatoes. It’s a great choice for a busy weeknight meal, as it requires minimal effort and allows you to enjoy delicious comfort food with very little hands-on cooking. The slow cooker does all the work for you, making it easy to have a wholesome dinner ready when you are.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans
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
Directions:
- Add sliced kielbasa, green beans, potatoes, and onions to the crockpot.
- Sprinkle with minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour chicken broth over the top and dot with pieces of butter.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and flavors are well combined.
- Gently stir halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Serve Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans
Serve Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans warm, straight from the slow cooker. It pairs well with some crusty bread or a simple green salad for a more complete meal. The flavors of the sausage and fresh veggies will surely delight everyone at the table.
How to Store Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans
- To enhance the flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage.
- For a heartier meal, serve it with a side of rice or couscous to soak up the delicious broth.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, try using different vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. You can also substitute the sausage with chicken or turkey for a lighter version of the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may cook faster than fresh.
2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute the sausage with a meat alternative like seitan or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated for lunch or dinner, or you can turn them into a frittata or casserole by combining them with eggs and cheese.
Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed (or 2 cans (15 oz) green beans, drained)
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved (red or yellow potatoes work well)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup 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
Instructions
Preparation
- Add sliced kielbasa, green beans, potatoes, and onions to the crockpot.
- Sprinkle with minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour chicken broth over the top and dot with pieces of butter.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and flavors are well combined.
- Gently stir halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
Serving
- Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
