What Makes Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans So Special
There’s something incredibly comforting about walking into a home filled with the savory, smoky aroma of a slow-cooked meal. It’s a feeling of warmth, of being cared for, that I remember from my own grandmother’s kitchen. This Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans recipe delivers that very feeling, with tender beans and flavorful sausage that have simmered together to create a simple, yet profoundly satisfying dish.
It’s the kind of easy kielbasa recipe that feels like a secret weapon on a busy weeknight. I love that it asks so little of me—just a bit of chopping and then the crockpot does the rest. It’s the perfect answer to that common question: How do you make kielbasa and green beans in a slow cooker without any fuss?
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours (high) or 6 hours (low)
Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sausage
Slice the kielbasa sausage into 1/2-inch rounds. This size is perfect for getting a little bit of that smoky flavor in every single bite.
2. Prep the Veggies
Trim the ends from the fresh green beans. Then, thinly slice your large yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. The aroma of fresh garlic is just the start of the magic!
3. Combine in the Crockpot
Add the olive oil to the bottom of your crockpot. This helps to meld all the flavors together right from the start.
4. Add Everything Else
Place all of your prepped ingredients into the crockpot and pour in the chicken broth. The broth will keep everything wonderfully moist as it transforms into a delicious sauce.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The long, slow heat is what makes this crockpot sausage dinner so tender and flavorful.
6. Final Touches
Stir gently before serving to combine all the flavors that have been mingling together. This is when the whole dish truly comes together.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans hot as a complete meal or over a bed of fluffy rice for something a little more substantial.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make this simple kielbasa dish even more special. It’s a wonderfully flexible recipe, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Flavor Swap: Try using smoked turkey kielbasa for a slightly lighter, yet still smoky, flavor profile.
- Diet Tweak: For a paleo or Whole30 version, simply ensure your sausage has no sugars and use compliant chicken broth.
- Prep Fix: If you’re short on time, use pre-trimmed fresh green beans from the produce section.
- Storage Tip: This dish stores beautifully. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavors often taste even better the next day!
Healthier Alternatives for Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans
I often get asked, “Can I make this Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans healthier?” Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily use a low-sodium chicken broth and a turkey or chicken kielbasa to reduce the fat and salt content without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
Another wonderful swap is to add more vegetables. Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of cherry tomatoes can be tossed right in, making this an even more nourishing and colorful crockpot sausage dinner.
How to Serve Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans
This dish truly is a meal in itself, but I love to think about pairings. In our house, we often serve it straight from the crockpot with a thick slice of crusty bread for dipping into the juices. It reminds me of simple, hearty meals I enjoyed years ago.
For a more formal setting, a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles makes a fantastic bed for this kielbasa green beans combo. A simple, crisp green salad on the side and a glass of iced tea complete a perfect, comforting dinner that feels both nostalgic and new.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make Kielbasa and green beans in a slow cooker?
It’s wonderfully simple! You just slice the kielbasa and onions, trim the beans, mince the garlic, and add everything to your crockpot with a bit of broth. Let it cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. It’s the easiest kielbasa recipe for a no-fuss dinner.
What kind of kielbasa is best for crockpot green beans?
I find that a good quality smoked Polish kielbasa works beautifully as it holds its shape and infuses the dish with a deep, smoky flavor. Both pork and turkey kielbasa work well, so you can choose based on your preference.
Can you put raw kielbasa in the crockpot with green beans?
Yes, absolutely! Since kielbasa is pre-cooked, you can add it directly to the crockpot raw. The long, slow cooking time will heat it through and allow its flavors to seep into the green beans and broth perfectly.
How long to cook kielbasa and green beans on high?
Cooking on high will have your Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans ready in about 3 hours. The green beans will be tender, and the flavors will be beautifully melded together.
What else can I add to my crockpot kielbasa dish?
This recipe is a fantastic base! Feel free to add diced potatoes, chopped bell peppers, or a can of diced tomatoes for extra heartiness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will also add a lovely bit of heat.
Do you need to pre-cook kielbasa for the slow cooker?
No, there’s no need to pre-cook the kielbasa. It’s fully cooked during its production, so you can add it directly to the slow cooker. This makes the prep for this slow cooker kielbasa dish incredibly quick and easy.
Is this kielbasa and green beans recipe gluten-free?
It can be, but you must check your labels. Ensure that the kielbasa sausage and chicken broth you use are certified gluten-free, as some brands may include fillers or additives that contain gluten.
What sides go well with kielbasa and green beans?
This dish is lovely with so many things! We love it over rice, with mashed potatoes, or alongside a simple salad. A chunk of rustic bread is also perfect for sopping up the delicious, savory broth.
