Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans

This crockpot kielbasa and green beans recipe is simple to make and feeds the whole family. I love these one-pot meals because you could just throw everything in and let it cook. You don’t need much prep time, but it has all the flavors we enjoy. It’s one of those recipes that makes dinner easy after a long day.

Easy Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans

I started making this recipe years ago when I needed something quick for dinner. These ingredients work well together and the slow cooker does all the work. You could add more vegetables if you want, but I like keeping it simple. The kielbasa adds protein while the green beans give you some good nutrition.

The best part about this dish is how little effort it takes. I just chop everything up in the morning, toss it in the crockpot, and dinner is ready when I get home. The smell fills the house and everyone knows we’re having something good. It has become a regular meal in our house because it’s so easy to make.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef kielbasa, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed and cut into thirds (you can use 1 to 1.5 pounds depending on what you have)
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 potatoes, chopped (no need to peel them)
• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

How to Make Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans

1. Prepare the Kielbasa Cut the kielbasa into 2-inch pieces. You can make them smaller if you prefer bite-sized portions.

2. Prep the Green Beans Trim the green beans and cut them into thirds. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to eat.

3. Chop the Vegetables Chop the tomatoes and potatoes, leaving the skin on the potatoes to save time and add extra nutrients. Chop the onion and mince the fresh garlic (fresh garlic tastes better than garlic powder).

4. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker Add all the prepared ingredients to your slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth. Add the brown sugar (it helps balance the flavors), salt, and pepper.

5. Mix and Season Give everything a good stir to mix all the ingredients together and distribute the seasonings evenly.

6. Cook Put the lid on and cook on HIGH for 4 hours, or on LOW for 6-8 hours if that works better for your schedule. The vegetables should be tender when done.

7. Serve Serve as is in bowls, or over rice or egg noodles. Rice works great because it soaks up all the flavorful juices from the cooking.

How to Store Crockpot Kielbasa And Green Beans Leftovers

This recipe makes quite a bit, so we usually have leftovers. I store them in the fridge in a covered container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better after sitting overnight, so don’t worry about making too much.

You could freeze portions too if you want to save some for later. I put them in freezer bags and they keep for about 3 months. When I want to eat the frozen leftovers, I thaw them in the fridge overnight and then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

To reheat, I add a little water or chicken broth if it seems dry. The vegetables can get soft after reheating, but it still tastes good. You could also reheat it in the crockpot on LOW for an hour if you’re making a big batch.

Expert Tips

• Cut potatoes into smaller pieces – Don’t skip this step. Large chunks take too long to cook and might still be hard when everything else is done.
• Use frozen green beans if needed – Fresh green beans work best, but frozen ones are fine when fresh aren’t available. Add them frozen directly to the crockpot without thawing first.
• Brown the kielbasa for extra flavor – This optional step takes more time but adds deeper taste. Brown the kielbasa in a pan before adding to the crockpot, though you can skip this to keep things simple.
• Choose your kielbasa type – Beef kielbasa works great, but turkey or pork versions each have different flavors. Pick what your family prefers and remember that some brands are saltier than others.
• Adjust salt based on your sausage – Since kielbasa saltiness varies by brand, taste and adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
• Add heat for spice lovers – Include red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño if your family enjoys spicy food.
• Use bay leaves for depth – Add a bay leaf during cooking for extra flavor, but remember to remove it before serving.

Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you could use other types of sausage in this recipe. Polish sausage, andouille, or even Italian sausage work well. Just make sure it’s already cooked since we’re not browning it first. The cooking time stays the same.

What if I don’t have fresh green beans?

You could use frozen green beans instead. Don’t thaw them first – just add them frozen to the crockpot. Canned green beans work too, but add them in the last hour of cooking so they don’t get mushy.

Can I add other vegetables?

Sure! I’ve added carrots, bell peppers, and corn to this recipe before. Root vegetables like carrots should go in at the beginning, but softer vegetables like bell peppers can be added in the last 2 hours. You could also add mushrooms if your family likes them.

How do I know when it’s done cooking?

The potatoes should be tender when you poke them with a fork. The green beans should be soft but not mushy. If the vegetables aren’t done after 4 hours on HIGH, cook for another 30 minutes and check again.

Can I make this recipe bigger for a crowd?

Yes, you could double or triple this recipe if you have a big enough crockpot. The cooking time might need to be a little longer with more food, so check the vegetables for doneness. You might need to add more broth too so everything cooks evenly.

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