Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Sausage and Green Beans
When you need an easy, hearty dinner that does not require a long list of ingredients, this slow cooker sausage and green beans recipe is a perfect choice. Made with just smoked kielbasa, fresh green beans, and chicken broth, this simple crockpot meal turns a few affordable ingredients into a comforting dinner the whole family can enjoy.
The slow cooker does most of the work, gently cooking the sausage and green beans until the beans are tender and flavorful and the broth becomes rich with smoky sausage flavor. It is the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that works especially well on busy weekdays when you want a warm homemade meal waiting at dinnertime.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Sausage and Green Beans
There is a lot to love about this simple three-ingredient dinner.
Only 3 main ingredients: Kielbasa, green beans, and broth are all you need.
Easy preparation: There is very little chopping or hands-on cooking required.
Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients make this a practical meal for feeding a family.
Slow cooker friendly: Let the crockpot handle the cooking while you take care of the rest of your day.
Hearty and satisfying: Smoky sausage and tender green beans create a filling combination that tastes like classic home cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This easy 3-ingredient sausage and green beans recipe keeps things simple.
Smoked Kielbasa Sausage
Sliced smoked kielbasa adds plenty of savory, smoky flavor to the dish. Since kielbasa is already fully cooked, it mainly needs to heat through and release its flavor into the cooking liquid.
You can also substitute another fully cooked smoked sausage if that is what you have available.
Fresh Green Beans
Fresh green beans become wonderfully tender after several hours in the slow cooker. Trim the ends before adding them to the crockpot and leave them whole or cut them in half.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth creates the savory cooking liquid and helps the green beans become tender. Low-sodium broth is a good choice because the smoked sausage can already contain quite a bit of salt.
How to Make Sausage and Green Beans in the Slow Cooker
Making this easy crockpot dinner requires only a few simple steps.
Start by trimming the ends from the fresh green beans. Place them in the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker and spread them into an even layer.
Slice the smoked kielbasa into rounds about half an inch thick. Scatter the sausage pieces over the green beans so they are distributed throughout the dish.
Pour the chicken broth evenly over the sausage and green beans. The broth does not need to completely cover the ingredients.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the green beans are tender and the sausage is heated through and flavorful.
Give everything a gentle stir before serving. Taste and add a little salt and black pepper if needed.
Serve hot with some of the savory broth spooned over each portion.
What to Serve With Sausage and Green Beans
This slow cooker sausage and green beans recipe is filling enough to serve on its own, but it becomes an even more satisfying meal with a simple side dish.
Try serving it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed white rice
- Fried potatoes
- Crusty bread
- Homemade biscuits
- Simple green salad
- Sliced tomatoes
- Pickles or pickled beets
Mashed potatoes are especially good because they soak up the savory broth from the slow cooker.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Sausage and Green Beans
Use smoked sausage for maximum flavor. Kielbasa gives the broth a delicious smoky, savory taste as it cooks.
Do not overfill the slow cooker. A 4- to 6-quart slow cooker works well for this recipe.
Check the green beans for doneness. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the slow cooker and the size and freshness of the beans.
Taste before adding salt. Both the broth and smoked sausage may already contain plenty of sodium.
Let the flavors develop. Cooking the ingredients slowly gives the green beans time to absorb the savory flavor from the sausage and broth.
Can You Use Frozen Green Beans?
Yes. Frozen whole green beans are a convenient alternative to fresh green beans. You do not need to thaw them before adding them to the slow cooker.
Because frozen green beans are generally softer than fresh beans, start checking them earlier so they do not become overly soft.
Can You Use Canned Green Beans?
Canned green beans can also work when fresh or frozen beans are not available. Drain them well before adding them to the slow cooker.
Since canned green beans are already cooked, they generally need less time than fresh green beans. Consider adding them later in the cooking process or shortening the overall cooking time.
Best Sausage Substitutions
Kielbasa is a classic choice, but you can easily change the sausage depending on what you have available.
Polish sausage: A natural substitute for kielbasa with a similar smoky flavor.
Andouille sausage: Adds a bolder, slightly spicy flavor.
Smoked turkey sausage: A lighter option that still provides plenty of smoky flavor.
Use a fully cooked smoked sausage for the easiest preparation.
Easy Ways to Stretch the Meal
If you need to make this recipe feed more people, adding potatoes is an easy option.
Place halved baby potatoes underneath the green beans before adding the sausage. The potatoes will cook in the flavorful broth and turn this simple dish into an even more substantial one-pot meal.
Although potatoes add another ingredient, they are an inexpensive way to stretch the meal for a larger family.
You can also serve the sausage and green beans over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to make the meal more filling.
Can You Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes. This recipe is convenient for meal prep and busy evenings.
You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to cook. Once cooked, leftovers can also be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for another meal.
The flavors often become even more savory after sitting overnight.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator and use them within a few days.
Reheat the sausage and green beans gently in a skillet or saucepan until heated through. You can add a small splash of broth or water if the mixture needs additional moisture.
Leftovers are delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes, or fried potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sausage and green beans in a crockpot?
Absolutely. A slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. Simply layer the green beans and sliced sausage in the crockpot, add the broth, cover, and cook until the beans are tender.
How long do sausage and green beans take in the slow cooker?
Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking time can vary depending on the slow cooker and how tender you prefer the green beans.
What sausage is best for green beans?
Smoked kielbasa is an excellent choice because it adds a deep smoky flavor to the green beans and broth. Polish sausage, andouille, and smoked turkey sausage can also be used.
Can I add potatoes?
Yes. Baby potatoes can be added underneath the green beans to make the meal more substantial. Cut larger potatoes into smaller pieces so they cook evenly.
Is this recipe good for leftovers?
Yes. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and can be reheated in a skillet or saucepan. They are also delicious served over rice or potatoes.
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Sausage and Green Beans Recipe
This easy slow cooker sausage and green beans recipe proves that a comforting homemade dinner does not have to involve complicated preparation. With just three simple ingredients, you can create a savory, filling meal with minimal effort.
The combination of smoky kielbasa, tender green beans, and flavorful chicken broth makes this an ideal easy crockpot dinner for busy weeknights, family meals, or whenever you want some old-fashioned comfort food.
Recipe at a Glance
Recipe: Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Sausage and Green Beans
Servings: 4
Prep Time: About 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American / Midwestern-inspired
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Place the trimmed green beans in the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.
- Scatter the sliced kielbasa over the green beans.
- Pour the chicken broth evenly over the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the green beans are tender.
- Stir gently, taste, and season with salt and black pepper if desired.
- Serve hot with plenty of the savory broth.
Final Thoughts
When a meal needs to be simple, inexpensive, and satisfying, this 3-ingredient slow cooker sausage and green beans recipe checks all the boxes. It requires very little preparation, uses everyday ingredients, and lets the slow cooker do nearly all the work.
Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or warm bread for a cozy family dinner that is easy enough for a weeknight but comforting enough to become a regular favorite.
