CROCKPOT KIELBASA AND GREEN BEANS EASY

Imagine the smoky, savory aroma of kielbasa mingling with the fresh, earthy scent of green beans, all simmered to perfection in your crockpot. This Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans recipe is the ultimate comfort food, delivering a satisfying and flavorful meal with minimal effort, making it one of the best Crockpot Pierogi Casserole With Kielbasa easy comfort meals. I promise you’ll love how easy and delicious this is!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound kielbasa sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Optional: red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started: Preparing the Ingredients

1. First, grab your kielbasa. Whether you choose smoked or fresh, slice it into bite-sized pieces, about an inch thick. This helps it cook evenly and release all its delicious flavor.
2. Next, prepare your green beans. Wash them thoroughly and trim off the ends. If they’re particularly long, you can snap them in half for easier eating.
3. Now, chop the onion. A medium dice is perfect, ensuring it cooks down nicely and adds a subtle sweetness to the dish. Mince the garlic too.

Layering in the Crockpot

1. Drizzle olive oil into the bottom of your crockpot. This will prevent sticking and add a touch of richness.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the crockpot. These aromatics will infuse the entire dish with flavor as they cook.
3. Next, layer in the green beans. Spread them evenly over the onions and garlic.
4. Top with the diced kielbasa. Nestle the sausage pieces amongst the green beans.
5. Pour the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) over the kielbasa and green beans. The tomatoes add moisture and a burst of acidity.
6. Finally, pour the chicken broth over everything. This will help create a flavorful sauce as the ingredients cook.

Seasoning and Cooking

1. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you like a little heat.
2. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking times can vary depending on your crockpot, so check for doneness. The green beans should be tender and the kielbasa should be heated through.

Serving Suggestions

1. Once cooked, give everything a good stir. This will ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
2. Serve hot and enjoy! This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Why This Recipe Works: The Magic of Slow Cooking

There’s something magical about slow cooking. It transforms simple ingredients into incredibly flavorful meals with minimal effort. This Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans recipe is a perfect example. The slow cooking process allows the flavors of the kielbasa, green beans, onions, garlic, and tomatoes to meld together, creating a rich and satisfying dish. It’s one of the best ways to make Southern Green Beans With Bacon And Onion. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the convenience of setting it and forgetting it?

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans

Choosing the Right Kielbasa

The type of kielbasa you choose can significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Smoked kielbasa will impart a smoky, savory flavor, while fresh kielbasa will have a milder taste. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite. I often use Polish kielbasa for an authentic flavor, especially when I’m thinking of making something similar to Polish Sausage Sauerkraut And Potatoes.

Adjusting the Seasoning

Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away!

Preventing Mushy Green Beans

One of the biggest challenges with crockpot recipes is preventing vegetables from becoming mushy. To avoid this, make sure to use fresh green beans and avoid overcooking them. Check for doneness after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. The green beans should be tender but still have a slight bite to them. You can also add the green beans closer to the end of the cooking time if you prefer a crisper texture.

Thickening the Sauce

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir well to combine and allow the sauce to thicken. Alternatively, you can remove some of the liquid from the crockpot and simmer it on the stovetop until it reduces and thickens.

Variations and Add-ins: Make It Your Own!

Add Potatoes

For a heartier meal, add diced potatoes to the crockpot along with the green beans. Yukon gold or red potatoes work well. They’ll absorb the flavors of the dish and add a creamy texture.

Include Other Vegetables

Get creative with your vegetables! Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini all make great additions to this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you are in the mood to use hamburger instead of kielbasa, try something like Hamburger Green Bean Casserole.

Spice It Up

If you love spicy food, add a jalapeño pepper (minced) or a dash of cayenne pepper to the crockpot. You can also use a spicy kielbasa for an extra kick.

Add Beans

For added protein and fiber, add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans, cannellini beans, or black beans to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking. This will make the dish even more filling and satisfying.

Perfect for Any Occasion: What To Bring To A Dinner

This Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans recipe is not only easy and delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy dinner, but it’s also great for potlucks, parties, and other gatherings. If you’re looking for Kielbasa Pasta, this is a great base recipe. The ease of preparation makes it an excellent choice for what to bring to a dinner, especially if you need something that travels well and can be kept warm in a crockpot. Its hearty nature also makes it a hit with everyone, ensuring there are few leftovers to bring back home. It’s definitely one of those crock pot recipes quick that everyone will appreciate!

Making It Work For You: Dietary Considerations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, which is a plus for those with gluten sensitivities. To make it low-carb, simply reduce the amount of diced tomatoes or omit them altogether. Also, be mindful of the kielbasa you choose, as some brands may contain added sugars. To make it healthier, choose a low-sodium chicken broth and use lean kielbasa. You can also add more vegetables to increase the nutrient content. This dish is easily adaptable to suit various dietary needs and preferences.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat. You can also reheat it in the crockpot on low heat for a couple of hours. The flavors will only improve with time!

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Simplicity

This Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. So, give it a try and experience the magic of slow cooking for yourself! I think you’ll find that these kabasa recipes crockpot are some of the easiest crockpot meals with green beans and most rewarding quick and easy dinner crockpot recipes you’ll ever make!

Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of smoky kielbasa, fresh green beans, and aromatic seasonings creates a flavorful and comforting dish with minimal effort, all thanks to the magic of slow cooking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Crockpot (slow cooker)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound kielbasa sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth low sodium
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Red pepper flakes optional, for a touch of heat

Instructions

 

• Drizzle olive oil into the bottom of your crockpot.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the crockpot.
• Layer in the green beans, spreading them evenly.
• Top with the diced kielbasa, nestling the sausage pieces amongst the green beans.
• Pour the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) over the kielbasa and green beans.
• Pour the chicken broth over everything.
• Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
• Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Check for doneness. The green beans should be tender and the kielbasa should be heated through.
• Give everything a good stir.
• Serve hot.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To make it low-carb, simply reduce the amount of diced tomatoes or omit them altogether. Adjust seasonings to your liking.