Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans

Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans is a hearty, no-fuss dinner that brings comfort food to your table with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for busy families, meal prep enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a budget-friendly and filling meal. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, blending the smoky flavor of kielbasa with tender potatoes and green beans in a savory, seasoned broth. It’s a well-rounded, one-pot dish that offers protein, vegetables, and carbs in every bite.

What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and basic ingredients, you get a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. This recipe is especially popular in the fall and winter months, but its ease and flavor make it a year-round staple in many households. Because it uses the Crockpot, there’s no need to hover over the stove. Just set it, forget it, and come home to an aromatic meal that’s ready to serve.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing lunches for the week, this slow-cooked meal is a dependable option. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak based on your taste preferences or what’s already in your fridge or pantry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Effortless Cooking – Just toss the ingredients in the Crockpot and let it do the work—no sautéing or precooking required.
  2. Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable ingredients like potatoes, green beans, and kielbasa to feed a family without breaking the bank.
  3. Well-Rounded Meal – Includes protein, veggies, and starch, making it a complete dish on its own.
  4. Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.
  5. Family Approved – Mild, comforting flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.

Ingredients

  • Kielbasa
  • Green beans
  • Potatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy kielbasa for extra heat.
  • Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika or smoked sausage to deepen the flavor.
  • Cheesy Option: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy twist.
  • Add More Veggies: Toss in carrots, corn, or bell peppers for added nutrition and variety.
  • Lower Carb: Swap the potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbs.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Prepare all your ingredients by chopping the kielbasa, trimming the green beans, and peeling and cubing the potatoes.

Step 2

Place the green beans, potatoes, and kielbasa into the Crockpot.

Step 3

Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the Crockpot.

Step 4

Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 5

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

Step 6

Stir gently before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Cut the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
  • Don’t overfill your Crockpot—leave room for even cooking.
  • Use fresh green beans for best texture, but frozen will also work in a pinch.
  • Stir once during cooking if possible to evenly distribute the flavors.
  • Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after cooking for thicker broth.

How to Serve

  • Serve in bowls with a slice of crusty bread for a comforting, filling dinner.
  • Pair with a simple side salad for added freshness.
  • Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for a richer finish.
  • Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, frozen green beans work well—no need to thaw them before cooking.

2. Do I need to brown the kielbasa first?

No browning is necessary, but you can if you want extra flavor.

3. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely, smoked sausage or turkey sausage are great alternatives.

4. What’s the best type of potato for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes hold up well in the slow cooker.

5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, omit the kielbasa and use vegetable broth for a meatless version.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if your kielbasa and broth are certified gluten-free.

7. How can I thicken the broth?

Let the Crockpot sit uncovered for a few minutes after cooking or mash some of the potatoes.

8. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, use the slow cook function or adjust cook time for pressure cooking.

9. Will it work with canned green beans?

It will, but the texture will be softer. Add them halfway through the cooking time.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but be sure your Crockpot is large enough to handle the volume.

Conclusion

Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that makes slow cooking worth it—warm, hearty, and ready when you are. With plenty of room for customization and a short ingredient list, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or whenever comfort food calls. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

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Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans


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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A hearty and comforting one-pot crockpot meal featuring smoky kielbasa, tender green beans, and flavorful potatoes simmered in seasoned chicken broth. This easy set-it-and-forget-it dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound kielbasa, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

  • 8 cups green beans, trimmed and chopped into 12 inch pieces

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

  • 3 cups chicken broth

  • 1 tablespoon onion powder

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

  • Add the chopped kielbasa, green beans, and potatoes to the crockpot.

  • Pour in the chicken broth.

  • Sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  • Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

  • Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and green beans are soft.

  • Stir before serving and adjust seasoning to taste if needed.

Notes

  • You can substitute smoked sausage or turkey sausage for kielbasa.

  • Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or bone broth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Main Course / Side Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

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