Prepare to simplify your mealtime with this incredibly easy, 5-ingredient Crockpot Kielbasa with Green Beans and Potatoes recipe! This dish is a true game-changer, perfect for busy weeknights, large family gatherings, or whenever you crave comforting flavors without the fuss. You’ll be astonished at how quickly this hearty meal comes together and how remarkably delicious it tastes, making it an instant family favorite.
Effortless Crockpot Kielbasa with Green Beans and Potatoes
The magic of slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal. We absolutely adore our CrockPot for creating delicious entrees, and this Kielbasa with Green Beans and Potatoes dish perfectly embodies why. Imagine coming home after a long day to the inviting aroma of a perfectly cooked meal, knowing that dinner is already handled. This “set it and forget it” convenience is truly invaluable, offering you more time to relax and enjoy your evenings.
This Crockpot Kielbasa, Green Beans, and Potatoes recipe is designed for both ease and generosity. Whether you’re feeding a bustling crowd or simply enjoy having ample leftovers for meal prep throughout the week, this recipe delivers. The robust flavors of smoked kielbasa mingle beautifully with tender potatoes and crisp green beans, all simmered in a savory broth until perfection. It’s a complete meal in one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing enjoyment.
While this recipe yields a generous amount, it’s incredibly versatile. If you’re cooking for a smaller household, feel free to halve the ingredients without compromising on taste. My husband, for instance, is a huge fan of Crockpot Kielbasa, and we often make the full batch just to ensure plenty of delectable leftovers!
Key Ingredients for Your Crockpot Masterpiece
Creating this epic Crockpot Kielbasa with Potatoes and Green Beans requires just a handful of simple ingredients, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t need a lengthy shopping list. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need. Specific measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions are provided in the full recipe card below.
- Kielbasa Sausage: The star of our dish! Opt for a good quality smoked kielbasa for the best flavor. Its inherent smokiness and savory notes infuse the entire dish.
- Fresh or Canned Green Beans: Both options work wonderfully. Fresh green beans will offer a slightly firmer texture, while canned beans provide ultimate convenience. Choose what best suits your pantry and preference.
- Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes break down just enough to create a comforting texture, absorbing the flavors of the broth and sausage beautifully. You can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a different texture.
- Seasoned Salt: This is a secret weapon that adds a complex layer of flavor with minimal effort. It typically contains a blend of salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and other spices, saving you from adding each individually.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base for our slow cooker. Chicken broth adds moisture and depth, ensuring all ingredients cook evenly and become infused with flavor. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
Essential Equipment You’ll Need
Gathering your tools before you begin ensures a smooth cooking process. For this recipe, you’ll primarily need:
- Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing your potatoes and kielbasa.
- Measuring Cups: For accurate liquid measurements.
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker): We highly recommend using a slow cooker equipped with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking cycle is complete. This feature is incredibly useful, preventing your meal from overcooking and giving you peace of mind throughout the day. A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is ideal for this recipe’s generous yield.
Our hope is that this Crockpot Kielbasa recipe brings both deliciousness and ease into your culinary routine. It’s not only simple to prepare but also yields fantastic leftovers that keep wonderfully, making it a reliable choice for any busy week.
How to Make Crockpot Kielbasa with Potatoes and Green Beans
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With minimal prep, you can set it to cook and let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Below are the easy steps; remember, a full printable recipe card with exact details is at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing your russet potatoes. Cut them into small, uniform cubes, about 1-inch in size, to ensure even cooking. We typically leave the skin on for added nutrients and rustic appeal, but you can certainly peel them if that’s your preference.
- Slice the Kielbasa: Take your smoked kielbasa sausage and slice it into bite-sized rounds or half-moons. This makes it easy to eat and allows the sausage to release its delicious flavors into the dish.
- Ready the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, wash them well and trim the ends. You can leave them whole or snap them into smaller pieces. If opting for canned green beans, simply drain them thoroughly.
- Combine in Crockpot: Place all your prepped potatoes, sliced kielbasa, and green beans directly into the slow cooker pot. Distribute them evenly.
- Add Liquid and Seasoning: Pour in about 1 to 1.5 cups of chicken stock. The exact amount can vary slightly depending on how saucy you prefer your dish. Sprinkle generously with seasoned salt, adjusting to your taste preference. Stir all the ingredients gently to ensure everything is well combined and coated with seasoning.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 8 to 10 hours. This slow, gentle cooking process allows the potatoes to become tender, the green beans to soften, and all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a truly comforting and delicious meal.
Preparation and Storage Tips
This recipe is incredibly convenient, offering flexibility for make-ahead options and easy storage.
- Make Ahead: This dish truly shines as a make-ahead meal. With an eight-hour cooking time in your slow cooker, you have ample opportunity to focus on other tasks, prepare additional menu items, or simply enjoy a relaxing day until dinner is ready. The prep work is minimal and can even be done the night before, storing the prepped ingredients in the fridge until morning.
- Storage: Leftovers store beautifully. Transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Enjoy within three to four days for optimal freshness.
- Freezing/How to Freeze: For longer storage, this Kielbasa with Potatoes and Green Beans freezes exceptionally well. Place cooled leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will maintain its quality for up to two to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How to Reheat: Reheating is simple. For individual servings, use your stovetop or microwave. If you’re reheating a larger batch to serve a full dining table, you can return the leftovers to your slow cooker, setting it to the low or warm setting until thoroughly heated through. Add a splash of extra chicken broth if needed to prevent drying.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
One of the best aspects of slow cooker meals is their adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these variations to tailor the Crockpot Kielbasa to your taste!
- Green Bean Options: You can use approximately 1.5 pounds of fresh green beans or four standard cans of canned green beans. Both yield fantastic results, so choose based on what’s convenient and available in your kitchen.
- Seasoning Alternatives: While seasoned salt is highly recommended for its balanced flavor profile, you can substitute it with regular salt if necessary. However, we encourage using seasoned salt as it significantly contributes to the dish’s overall depth and character. For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of black pepper.
- Cheese Topping: For an extra layer of indulgence, garnish individual servings with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of your favorite cheeses just before serving. The warmth of the dish will melt it beautifully.
- Vegetarian Option: To transform this hearty meal into a vegetarian or vegan delight, simply replace the kielbasa with a plant-based sausage alternative (such as a vegan smoked sausage). Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to complete the plant-based conversion.
- Gluten-Free: Most kielbasa sausages are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always wise to check labels to confirm, especially for the kielbasa itself, chicken broth, and any canned green beans if you’re concerned about cross-contamination.
- Adjusting Serving Size: The base recipe is designed to yield eight generous servings. Easily scale the ingredients up or down to match your desired yield. If significantly increasing the recipe, you might need to cook in batches or use a larger slow cooker to accommodate all ingredients.
- Make It Spicy: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a few dashes of red pepper flakes to your slow cooker along with the other ingredients. The slow cooking process will allow the spice to gently infuse the entire dish.
- Adding Vegetables: Beyond green beans and potatoes, consider adding other sturdy vegetables that hold up well to slow cooking. Chopped carrots, bell peppers, or even a can of diced tomatoes (drained) can add color, texture, and nutritional value.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh or dried herbs like bay leaves, thyme, or rosemary can elevate the aromatic profile of the dish. Add them at the beginning of the cooking cycle and remove bay leaves before serving.
- Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier dish, stir in a quarter cup of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Kielbasa
- Uniform Cutting: Ensure your potatoes and kielbasa are cut into roughly equal, bite-sized pieces. This promotes even cooking and makes for a pleasant eating experience.
- Don’t Overcrowd: While this recipe is generous, avoid filling your slow cooker more than two-thirds full. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and extended cooking times.
- Season to Taste: The amount of seasoned salt is a guideline. Always taste and adjust seasonings towards the end of the cooking cycle. Remember that flavors intensify as they simmer.
- Stir Once or Twice: While slow cooker meals are generally hands-off, a gentle stir midway through the cooking time (if you’re home) can help distribute flavors and ensure all ingredients are submerged in the broth, leading to more even cooking.
- Utilize the “Warm” Setting: If your slow cooker has an automatic “warm” setting, use it! This is perfect for keeping your meal at a safe serving temperature until you’re ready to eat, without overcooking.
- Pre-Cook Kielbasa (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor and a slightly crisper texture, you can quickly brown the kielbasa in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step is entirely optional but can enhance the richness.
What to Serve with Crockpot Kielbasa with Potatoes and Green Beans
This hearty and comforting Polish sausage entree is perfect year-round, not just during Oktoberfest! Its versatile flavor profile pairs well with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are some menu planning suggestions to make your meal even more complete.
Sides:
- CrockPot Cabbage Rolls: A classic pairing that complements the kielbasa beautifully.
- Kidney Bean Salad: A fresh, vibrant salad to balance the rich flavors.
- CrockPot Beer Cheese Soup: A creamy, cheesy indulgence that pairs well with sausage.
- Slow Cooker Sausage Sauerkraut Soup: Echoes the Eastern European roots of kielbasa.
- Crock Pot Bacon Wrapped Potatoes: For an extra potato kick and smoky flavor.
- 7-Up Biscuits: Light, fluffy biscuits perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing for a fresh contrast.
- Crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
Desserts:
- Crock Pot Apple Crisp: A warm, comforting classic.
- Crock Pot 7 Layer Bars: A decadent treat for dessert lovers.
- 3 Ingredient Crock Pot Apple Spice Dump Cake: Simple yet satisfying.
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies: Perfect for fall.
- White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cookies: A seasonal delight.
Drinks:
- Washington Apple Drink: A refreshing cocktail.
- Apple Cider Mule: A spiced, effervescent choice.
- Apple Pie Shot: For a fun, spirited finish.
- Apple Cider Margarita: A unique twist on a favorite.
- Fireball and Ginger Ale Cocktail: A warm, spicy option.
- Beer Margaritas: An unexpected but delightful pairing.
- Guinness and Cider Beer Cocktail: A robust, flavorful choice.
- Classic beer, particularly a pilsner or lager, to complement the kielbasa.
- Sparkling cider or apple juice for a non-alcoholic option.
When to Serve This Delightful Dish
- Lunch: Perfect for a hearty and satisfying midday meal.
- Easy Dinner: The ultimate solution for busy weeknights when time is precious.
- Oktoberfest: A fantastic addition to any fall celebration, especially those with German or Polish themes.
- Fall Season: Its comforting warmth makes it ideal for cooler autumn evenings.
- Potlucks: A crowd-pleasing dish that travels well and feeds many.
- Game Day: An easy, delicious meal that keeps guests full and happy during sporting events.
- Family Gatherings: Simple to prepare in large quantities, making host duties stress-free.
Explore More Great Recipe Collections
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out these other fantastic collections for more culinary inspiration:
Easy Kielbasa Recipes: Dive into a treasure trove of epic kielbasa dishes, from comforting soups and stews to delicious appetizers and versatile side dishes, all featuring your favorite sausage.
Comfort Foods: Discover an entire collection dedicated to recipes that soothe the soul and warm the heart, perfect for any occasion.
5 Ingredient or Less Dessert Recipes: Explore an array of unbelievably easy and delicious desserts that require minimal ingredients and effort.
Apple Cider Recipes: Get into the spirit of fall with delightful apple cider recipes, including cocktails and desserts that everyone will adore.
Apple Dessert Recipes: All the fun and delicious fall desserts you can create with crisp, juicy apples.
Casserole Recipes: Find an abundance of delicious, easy-to-make casseroles that are perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Do you love exploring new culinary ideas? Be sure to check out our copycat recipes for restaurant favorites, a wide selection of dessert recipes for every sweet craving, and our extensive collection of CrockPot Recipes for effortless cooking.
For all our latest recipe posts and culinary adventures, make sure to follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Crock Pot Kielbasa and Green Beans with Potatoes Recipe
How to make delicious slow cooker Crockpot Kielbasa with green beans and potatoes.
4 from 6 votes
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Ingredients
- 24 oz Kielbasa (smoked sausage)
- 1.5 pounds green beans (fresh or 4 cans, drained)
- 5 Russet potatoes
- 1 Tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
Instructions
- Wash and cut potatoes into small cubes (about 1-inch). You can peel them if preferred, but leaving the skin on is fine.
- Cut smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash and trim fresh green beans, or drain canned green beans.
- Toss potatoes, sausages, and green beans into the crockpot, spreading them evenly.
- Pour in 1 to 1.5 cups of chicken stock and season to taste with the seasoned salt. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 8-10 hours, or until potatoes are tender and flavors are well-melded.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
Nutrition Facts
Calories from Fat 225
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Recipe originally shared on April 29, 2015. Updated on March 30, 2020.