Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans
This easy crockpot recipe combines sausage, potatoes, green beans, and onion into a flavorful one-pot meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
I make this Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans all the time on busy weeknights — it’s forgiving, flavorful, and the slow cooker does almost all the work. This recipe turns simple ingredients (sausage, potatoes, green beans, onion, and a splash of broth) into a cozy, one-pot meal that feeds a family and leaves minimal cleanup. If you love turkey kielbasa in the slow cooker, try my other spin on crockpot turkey kielbasa and green beans for a slightly different seasoning profile.
Why you’ll love this dish
This dinner is perfect when you want something low-effort but satisfying. It’s budget-friendly, scales easily for leftovers, and is flexible — swap sausage types or toss in extra veggies depending on the week’s produce. The potatoes cook tender while the sausage infuses the whole pot with smoky richness, and green beans keep the plate bright and slightly crisp if timed right.
Reasons to make it now:
- Hands-off cooking: set the crockpot and forget it.
- One-pot cleanup: everything cooks together, which saves time.
- Family-friendly: mild enough for kids, optional red pepper flakes for adults.
- Versatile for meal prep: reheats well for lunches or quick dinners.
How this recipe comes together
High-level steps so you know what to expect before you start:
- Chop the potatoes and sausage; trim the green beans.
- Layer potatoes and onion in the slow cooker (they take longest).
- Add sausage and green beans, sprinkle seasonings, then pour chicken broth.
- Cook low and slow (or on high for a shorter window).
- Finish with fresh herbs and optional parmesan rind for a savory boost.
This overview helps you prep efficiently — peel the potatoes if you prefer, or leave skins on to save time and add texture.
Key Ingredients
What you’ll need (with quick notes and substitutions):
- 1–1.5 lbs smoked sausage, turkey kielbasa, or Italian sausage — choose based on preference or sale; smoked turkey kielbasa adds great flavor.
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, chopped — no need to peel unless you want them silky.
- 1 lb fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed — fresh preferred; frozen is fine, add a little later if you want them firmer.
- 1 yellow onion, chopped — pre-chopped works to save time.
- 1 cup chicken broth — water can be used in a pinch; broth adds depth.
- Salt, to taste — start light; you can always add more at the end.
- Black pepper, to taste.
- Garlic powder, to taste — 1 tsp is a good starting point.
- Red pepper flakes, as desired — optional for heat.
- 1 Parmesan rind — optional; toss it in while cooking for umami, remove before serving.
- Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley), as desired — stir in at the end for brightness.
- Mushrooms or bell peppers, as desired — great additions if you want more vegetables.
Directions to follow
Step-by-step directions written for clarity and kitchen confidence.
- Prep ingredients: wash and chop potatoes into bite-sized pieces, trim green beans, slice sausage into 1-inch rounds, and chop the onion.
- Layer the bottom: put potatoes and chopped onion in the bottom of the crockpot — they need the most direct heat.
- Add sausage and green beans: spread the sausage slices over the potatoes, then top with green beans. If using mushrooms or bell peppers, add them now.
- Season and add liquid: sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes over everything. Nestle the Parmesan rind among the ingredients (if using). Pour 1 cup chicken broth evenly over the top.
- Cook: cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender and the sausage heated through.
- Finish and adjust: remove the Parmesan rind, taste, and adjust salt and pepper. Stir in fresh herbs just before serving.
- Optional sear: for extra texture, you can quickly brown the sausage slices in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot — about 2 minutes per side adds caramelization.
Timing notes: if using frozen green beans, add them during the last 60–90 minutes to keep color and texture.
Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans
- Prep
- 20 MIN
- Cook
- 8 HRS
- Total
- 8 HRS 20 MIN
- Serves
- 6
01Ingredients
Main ingredients
02Method
- Preparation
- Cooking
- Finishing touches
- Optional step
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0 OF 11 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01Cool leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
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Best ways to enjoy it
Pairings and plating ideas to elevate a simple crockpot meal:
- Serve straight from the crockpot on a platter for family-style comfort.
- Spoon over cooked rice or buttered egg noodles to soak up juices.
- Add a crusty bread or warm biscuits and a simple green salad on the side.
- For a lighter plate, serve with a dollop of whole-grain mustard and a squeeze of lemon.
If you’d rather crisp up components, try the flavors in an alternative method such as this air fryer sausage and peppers recipe for a faster, charred finish.
How to store & freeze
Safe storage and reheating guidance:
Refrigerator: Cool leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Use shallow containers or freezer bags for faster thawing.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-minute increments until hot. If the dish looks dry, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Food safety tip: Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Recipe variations
Creative twists to change the profile:
- Spicy Italian: use hot Italian sausage and double the red pepper flakes.
- Mediterranean: swap in bell peppers, olives, and oregano; finish with lemon zest.
- Low-carb: replace potatoes with cauliflower florets and shorten cooking time.
- Creamy: stir in 1/2 cup cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer sauce.
- Vegetarian swap: replace sausage with smoked tempeh or plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
Helpful answers
How long does this take from start to finish?
A: Active prep is about 15–20 minutes. Cook time is 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH.
Can I cook everything frozen?
A: Sausage can be added frozen, but potatoes and green beans take longer to reach the right texture. For best results, thaw frozen vegetables slightly or add them later in the cycle.
Is it safe to leave the crockpot on overnight?
A: Yes — slow cookers are designed for long, unattended cooking. Still, follow manufacturer instructions and avoid overfilling the pot.
Can I use turkey sausage or chicken sausage?
A: Yes. Lean sausages may yield less fat, so consider a splash more broth or a small knob of butter to maintain richness.
My green beans turned mushy — what happened?
A: They were likely cooked too long. Add fresh green beans in the last 60–90 minutes of slow cooking to keep them crisp-tender.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans recipe is an easy, adaptable weeknight winner that still tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. For another slow-cooker take with a similar mix of sausage, potatoes, and beans, see Fit Slow Cooker Queen’s sausage, potatoes & green beans. If you want something similar, my One-Pan Salmon with Green Beans is worth a try.
Crockpot & Slow Cooker
Crockpot & Slow Cooker
Crockpot & Slow Cooker
