Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans

There’s something wonderfully uncomplicated about a hearty meal that comes together in a slow cooker. This Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans dish always reminds me of Sundays spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where love was mixed in with every ingredient. The aroma of kielbasa mingling with fresh green beans and tender potatoes creates a comforting symphony that fills the house, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

On days when life feels a bit too hectic, this recipe comes to the rescue, providing a solid, home-cooked meal without demanding all my time. It’s like a warm embrace on a cold day—simple yet satisfying, allowing you to enjoy the flavors without fussing over complicated techniques.

Why cook this tonight

This dish embodies the essence of comfort food without being overly indulgent. The rich, smoky flavor of the kielbasa pairs expertly with the crisp tenderness of green beans and the heartiness of potatoes, creating a well-rounded meal that feels substantial yet not heavy. Each bite offers a balance of textures and tastes, where the savory broth seeps into the vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness.

And the best part? You get an entire meal in a single pot. Not only does this save on cleanup, but it also means fewer dishes to juggle while you prepare dinner. As you step away, the crockpot takes over, transforming simple ingredients into a flavor-packed feast that feels like it took hours to prepare. Trust me, your evenings deserve this effortless delight.

Gather these ingredients

Before we dive in, let’s go over what you’ll need to make this delicious meal come together:

• Kielbasa (1 pound, sliced): A smoked sausage that brings a lovely depth of flavor—it’s what makes this dish stand out. You can substitute with turkey kielbasa for a leaner option, if preferred.
• Green Beans (1 pound, trimmed): Fresh or frozen, they add a bright crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, snap peas work as a delightful alternative.
• Potatoes (4 medium, diced): I generally use Yukon Gold for their creamy texture, but any type will do. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
• Onion (1, chopped): Bringing a layer of sweetness, onions balance out the dish. Yellow onions work well here, but feel free to use shallots for a milder flavor.
• Chicken Broth (4 cups): The liquid base that holds it all together. Low sodium broth is ideal, allowing you to control the salt level more easily.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): This adds an extra layer of savory flavor without needing fresh garlic. You could also use fresh minced garlic, if that’s what you have on hand.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to elevate the whole dish. Always taste before you serve—flavor is king!

Let’s get cooking

Ready to whip up this comforting meal? Here’s how you can bring all these ingredients together:

1. In your crockpot, combine the sliced kielbasa, trimmed green beans, diced potatoes, and chopped onion. Layering the ingredients like this allows for even cooking and flavor distribution.
2. Pour the chicken broth over the top—this is what creates the fantastic sauce that soaks into everything.
3. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t rush this step; it’s where the seasoning begins to infuse the dish.
4. Stir gently to combine everything evenly. You want each piece to get a little love.
5. Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The key here is cooking low and slow—this will give you tender vegetables and infused flavors.
6. Once done, serve warm and enjoy the fruits of your patience.

How to plate and pair

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but I love to serve it alongside a simple crusty bread or some dinner rolls to soak up any leftover broth. A light green salad sprinkled with some freshly squeezed lemon juice offers a lovely contrast, while something like cornbread can add a comforting twist.

Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs—like parsley or dill—before serving. This little touch can brighten the dish remarkably and brings a fresh aroma right to the table.

How to store and freeze

If you find yourself with leftovers, congratulations, you’re in for a treat! Allow the dish to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it’ll last for about three to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just be sure to label and date your containers so you can keep track of what’s in there.

When you’re ready to reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then, you can gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.

Tips for a successful recipe

Here are a few handy tips to keep in mind while you’re preparing this dish:

• Don’t rush the chopping—uniform sizes help everything cook evenly.
• If you have fresh garlic on hand, feel free to substitute it for garlic powder. Just add it in with the onions for a fresher taste.
• Season in layers; taste as you go to get the balance just right!

Creative twists

Ready to make it your own? Here are a few variations to play with:

• Add Carrots or Peas: These can brighten the mix with a touch of sweetness—just toss them in with the other vegetables.
• Herb Infusions: Try throwing in a bay leaf or some thyme to deepen the flavor profile—remove before serving, of course.
• Swap the Protein: Chicken or smoked turkey can work brilliantly in place of kielbasa for a lighter meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound kielbasa (sliced)
• 1 pound green beans (trimmed)
• 4 medium potatoes (diced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions to follow

1. In a crockpot, combine sliced kielbasa, green beans, diced potatoes, and chopped onion.
2. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients.
3. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve warm and enjoy.

Your questions answered

• Can I use a different sausage? Sure! Any smoked or cooked sausage will work great in this recipe.
• What can I do if I’m short on time? You can cut the vegetables smaller or even use pre-chopped frozen varieties to speed up prep.
• How do I make this vegetarian? Substitute the kielbasa with veggie sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Just make sure they have similar cooking times; otherwise, you might end up with mushy bits.
• How do I know when it’s done? The veggies should be tender and the flavors well melded—taste testing is encouraged!

Cooking is about connection, both with our ingredients and those around us. This Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans is sure to add warmth to your table. I invite you to try this recipe, make it your own, and share your experiences. Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together.

Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans

A comforting and hearty meal made in a slow cooker with kielbasa, green beans, and potatoes, perfect for busy days.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound kielbasa, sliced A smoked sausage that brings a lovely depth of flavor. Substitute with turkey kielbasa for a leaner option.
• 1 pound green beans, trimmed Fresh or frozen; snap peas can be used as an alternative.
• 4 medium potatoes, diced Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture.
• 1 unit onion, chopped Yellow onions work well; shallots can be used for a milder flavor.
• 4 cups chicken broth Low sodium broth is ideal for better salt control.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder Can substitute with fresh minced garlic if preferred.
• Salt and pepper, to taste Always taste before serving.

Instructions

 

Cooking Instructions

• In your crockpot, combine the sliced kielbasa, trimmed green beans, diced potatoes, and chopped onion.
• Pour the chicken broth over the top.
• Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then stir gently to combine.
• Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
• Once done, serve warm and enjoy the fruits of your patience.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the broth. A light green salad or cornbread pairs well.

Keyword Comfort Food, Crockpot, Green Beans, Kielbasa, Slow Cooker