Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans

Rain was beating against our kitchen window last Sunday when my youngest suggested we use the crockpot instead of standing at the stove. The whole house filled with that incredible smoky sausage aroma within an hour. My husband kept wandering into the kitchen asking if it was done yet. This recipe has become our go-to when we want something comforting but do not want to actually cook.

I served this at our book club meeting last month and three people asked for the recipe before dessert even came out. The green beans stay surprisingly crisp instead of turning to mush like I expected. Something magical happens when the smoked paprika mingles with the chicken broth.

Ingredients

• 1 lb kielbasa sausage: The smoky flavor backbone of this dish so do not skip the smoked paprika if your sausage is not very smoky
• 1 lb fresh green beans: Fresh ones really do make a difference here as frozen ones turn too soft during the long cooking time
• 1½ lbs baby potatoes: Baby potatoes hold their shape better than larger ones and look prettier on the plate
• 1 small onion: Chopped small so it almost melts into the broth and adds sweetness without big onion chunks
• 2 cloves garlic: Mined fresh because jarred garlic can taste a bit harsh after hours of slow cooking
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth: Low sodium is important since the sausage and seasonings add plenty of salt already
• 1 tsp salt: Start with this and add more at the end if needed since different sausage brands vary in saltiness
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground makes a noticeable difference in the depth of flavor
• ½ tsp smoked paprika: This optional ingredient is actually essential if you want that deep smoky flavor profile
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps coat everything and keeps the ingredients from sticking together
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds an earthy note that pairs beautifully with the potatoes and sausage

Instructions

Prep the ingredients:

Slice your kielbasa into half inch rounds and halve those baby potatoes so they cook evenly.

Layer the crockpot:

Toss in the sausage green beans potatoes onion and garlic spreading everything out into an even layer.

Add oil and seasonings:

Drizzle the olive oil over everything then sprinkle the salt pepper smoked paprika and thyme evenly on top.

Pour in the broth:

Pour the chicken broth around the edges of the crockpot so the vegetables get mostly covered.

Let it cook:

Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours until the potatoes are fork tender and the green beans have softened but still have a little bite.

Final taste test:

Give it a quick stir and taste adding more salt or pepper if needed before serving hot.

Save

Last week my teenage daughter who usually claims to hate green beans went back for thirds. The way the beans soak up that smoky sausage flavor makes them taste completely different than steamed ones.

Making It Your Own

I have tried substituting turkey kielbasa when we were watching our fat intake and it still turned out delicious. The smokiness does diminish a bit so consider adding extra smoked paprika or even a dash of liquid smoke.

Serving Ideas

This dish is surprisingly filling on its own but crusty bread for soaking up that flavorful broth takes it over the top. Sometimes I serve it with a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Storage And Reheating

This actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

• Reheat gently on the stove adding a splash of water if the broth has thickened too much
• The microwave works too but stir halfway through to ensure even heating
• Freeze portions in freezer bags for up to three months though the texture of green beans will soften slightly

Save

There is something so satisfying about a meal that takes care of itself while you go about your day. Hope your family loves it as much as mine does.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen green beans work well in this dish. Add them during the last 2-3 hours of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Diced red bell peppers, carrots, or celery are excellent additions. Add them at the beginning with the other vegetables for even cooking.

→ Can I cook this on high heat?

Yes, you can cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours instead of LOW for 4-5 hours. Check the vegetables for tenderness after 2 hours.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ Can I use turkey kielbasa?

Absolutely. Turkey or chicken sausage work great and reduce the fat content while maintaining excellent flavor.

→ Do I need to brown the kielbasa first?

It's not required, but browning the kielbasa slices in a pan before adding them to the crockpot adds extra depth of flavor.