Description
Ingredient Notes
- Kielbasa – Smoked Polish sausage is the star. You can use beef, pork, turkey, or chicken kielbasa. For less fat, choose turkey kielbasa.
- Green Beans – Fresh green beans hold up best, but frozen works in a pinch. Trimmed ends give a cleaner presentation.
- Potatoes (Optional) – Red or baby gold potatoes make this a more filling dish. Sweet potatoes work too for a different flavor.
- Onion & Garlic – Adds depth and savory flavor.
- Chicken Broth – Helps simmer the ingredients while keeping everything moist. Vegetable broth works for a lighter version.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, paprika, and optional crushed red pepper. Simple seasonings let the smoky kielbasa shine.
Substitutions & Additions:
- Swap green beans for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
- Add diced tomatoes or corn for color and sweetness.
- Use Cajun seasoning for a spicier Southern spin.
Equipment Needed
- Crockpot / Slow Cooker (4–6 quart size works best)
- Cutting board & knife (for chopping sausage, beans, and onion)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Optional: Skillet (to brown kielbasa for extra flavor)
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved (optional)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients – Slice kielbasa, trim green beans, and halve potatoes.
- Layer in Crockpot – Add potatoes first (if using), followed by green beans, onions, and garlic. Top with kielbasa slices.
- Season & Add Broth – Sprinkle paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour chicken broth over everything.
- Cook Low & Slow – Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes and beans are tender.
- Serve & Enjoy – Stir gently, adjust seasoning, and serve warm as a complete meal or side dish.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- 🌶 Spicy Kick – Use spicy kielbasa or add Cajun seasoning.
- 🌱 Vegetarian Version – Swap kielbasa for vegetarian smoked sausage.
- 🥔 Make it Hearty – Add more potatoes or even pasta shells during the last 30 minutes.
- 🧄 Flavor Boost – Brown kielbasa in a skillet before adding for richer taste.
- 🧀 Cheesy Upgrade – Sprinkle with shredded cheddar or parmesan before serving.
Pro Chef Tips
- Brown the Sausage First – Searing kielbasa caramelizes sugars and deepens smoky flavor.
- Cut Potatoes Evenly – Ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Layer Wisely – Potatoes on the bottom absorb broth and soften better, while beans on top stay tender-crisp.
- Season at the End – Broth reduces during cooking, so adjust salt after tasting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Overcooking green beans – Add them later if you prefer crunchier beans.
- ❌ Too much liquid – Stick to recommended broth; excess makes it soupy.
- ❌ Skipping browning step – The extra 5 minutes of browning boosts flavor dramatically.
- ❌ Crowding the pot – Use the right crockpot size for even cooking.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth, or warm in skillet over medium heat.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble all ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before. Store covered in the fridge, then start cooking in the morning.
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble raw ingredients in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight, then cook as directed.
- Best Reheating Method: Reheat on stovetop with a bit of broth for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with:
- Buttery cornbread or biscuits.
- A crisp garden salad with ranch or vinaigrette.
- Mashed potatoes or buttered rice for extra comfort.
- Iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing drink.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crockpot / Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American (with Polish influence)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg