Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans
A hearty, no-fuss dinner featuring smoky turkey kielbasa, tender baby potatoes, and fresh green beans simmered in a light chicken broth. Perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
I grew up on hearty, no-fuss dinners, and this Crockpot Turkey Kielbasa and Green Beans is one of those weeknight heroes that always delivers. It’s smoky, salty turkey kielbasa married with tender baby potatoes and green beans, all simmered in a light chicken broth until everything is meltingly comforting. If you want a hands-off, family-friendly meal that fills the house with savory aroma, this is it — and if you like variations on turkey kielbasa dinners, you might also enjoy my write-up on cheesy potatoes and turkey kielbasa for another easy crowd-pleaser.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe nails the trifecta: minimal prep, forgiving timing, and flavors that develop as it cooks. The smokiness of the turkey kielbasa flavors the broth and vegetables, while butter and simple seasonings round everything out. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual potlucks, or when you want a warm, one-pot dinner without babysitting the stove.
Reasons to try it:
- Economical: Uses pantry staples and a single protein to feed a family.
- Hands-off: Toss, set the crockpot, and come back to dinner.
- Flexible: Swap fresh green beans for canned in a pinch, or use smoked turkey sausage if you want a lighter option.
- Kid-approved: Mild spices and familiar textures make it approachable for picky eaters.
How this recipe comes together
Step-by-step overview:
- Slice the turkey kielbasa and halve the baby potatoes; trim the green beans and chop the onion.
- Layer turkey kielbasa, potatoes, green beans and onions in the crockpot.
- Season with garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth, dot with butter, and cook low or high depending on your schedule.
- Stir once during cooking, then finish with parsley and Parmesan if desired.
This quick overview helps you plan: total hands-on time is about 15–20 minutes, plus 3–7 hours in the slow cooker depending on setting.
What you’ll need
- 1 lb (450 g) turkey kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed — or substitute 2 cans (15 oz) drained if needed
- 1 lb (450 g) baby potatoes, halved (red or yellow work well)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional — adds depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For garnish (optional):
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Notes and substitutions:
- Use smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner main; adjust salt accordingly.
- Canned green beans work in a pinch — add them in the last 30–45 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Want it saucier? Swap half the chicken broth for a cup of cream or add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
Step-by-step instructions
- Prep: Wash and halve the potatoes, trim the green beans, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Slice the turkey kielbasa into 1-inch pieces.
- Layer: Add turkey kielbasa, potatoes, green beans and chopped onion to the crockpot in even layers.
- Season: Sprinkle the minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper over the top.
- Add liquid and fat: Pour the chicken broth over everything. Dot the surface with the butter pieces.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender and flavors are melded.
- Stir: Gently stir once halfway through cooking to distribute heat and seasonings.
- Finish: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan before serving, if using.
Short, action-oriented steps keep the process simple and reliable for busy cooks.
Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans
- Prep
- 20 MIN
- Cook
- 7 HRS
- Total
- 7 HRS 20 MIN
- Serves
- 4
01Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Seasonings
For Garnish (optional)
02Method
- Preparation
- Cooking
Tap a step when it's done. The next one lights up.
0 OF 7 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01For variations, use smoked turkey sausage or beef sausage for a leaner option, add cream for a saucier dish, spice it up with red pepper flakes at the end.
04Nutrition
Per serving- Calories
- 457
- Protein
- 21G
- Net carbs
- 29G
- Fat
- 27G
- Fiber
- 6G
Net carbs are total carbs minus fiber. Numbers are estimates from the ingredients listed.
How did it turn out?
No ratings yet. Tap a star to be the first.
Snap a photo and tag @recipe_smoke1 so I can see how yours came out.
Best ways to enjoy it
- Plate it family-style straight from the crockpot with crusty bread to soak up the juices.
- Serve over buttered egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
- For a lighter plate, pair with a crisp green salad and a squeeze of lemon to brighten the smoky flavors.
- If you’re feeding a crowd, add a second crockpot of crockpot chicken and gravy to stretch the meal and offer variety.
Pairings that work well: a rustic alcohol-free beer (the malt pairs nicely with smoked turkey sausage), chilled apple cider, or a bright sparkling lemonade.
Storage and reheating tips
Refrigeration: Cool leftovers to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours. Use within 3–4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of chicken broth if dry, or microwave in covered dishes until piping hot. Reheated food should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Food safety: Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
Creative twists
- Mediterranean: Swap smoked paprika for oregano and add halved cherry tomatoes in the last hour. Finish with feta instead of Parmesan.
- BBQ-style: Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce and a teaspoon of brown sugar for a sweet-savory glaze.
- Low-carb: Replace potatoes with extra green beans or cauliflower florets.
- Vegetarian swap: Omit turkey kielbasa and use smoked tempeh or smoked tofu with vegetable broth and a splash of liquid smoke for a plant-based version.
Common questions
Can I use canned green beans?
A: Yes. Use drained canned green beans and add them during the final 30–45 minutes to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Do I need to pre-cook the turkey kielbasa?
A: No — most turkey kielbasa and smoked sausages are fully cooked and only need to be heated through. Searing first adds flavor but isn’t necessary.
What if the potatoes aren’t tender?
A: If potatoes are still firm near the end of the cook time, continue cooking on high for another 30–45 minutes and check again. For very large potatoes, cut them smaller at the start.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
A: Yes. Brown the turkey kielbasa in a large pot, add vegetables and broth, cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 25–35 minutes), stirring occasionally.
How many does this serve?
A: This recipe generally serves 4 as a main course, depending on appetites and side dishes.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Turkey Kielbasa and Green Beans recipe is an easy, comforting one-pot meal that adapts well to what you have on hand. For more ideas, check out Brooklyn Farm Girl’s Crockpot Turkey Kielbasa and Green Beans and my Crockpot Sausage and Green Beans.
Crockpot & Slow Cooker
Crockpot & Slow Cooker
Crockpot & Slow Cooker
