Slow Cooker Green Beans, Potatoes, and Smoked Sausage Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the depth of flavor, consider adding a small amount of minced garlic or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary before starting the slow cooker.

These additions complement the savory nature of the sausage and potatoes, providing an extra layer of aromatic complexity to the broth without requiring extra effort.

When serving, consider including a side of crusty bread to soak up the savory, seasoned broth that remains at the bottom of the slow cooker.

This ensures that none of the flavorful liquid goes to waste and adds an extra textural element to the meal that pairs perfectly with the tender vegetables.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Version: Replace the standard smoked sausage with a spicy andouille or hot smoked sausage to add a kick of heat. The spice level will infuse the potatoes and broth, creating a more robust and zesty flavor profile for those who prefer a little extra warmth in their dinner.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add a tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker before turning it on. These woody herbs provide a fragrant, earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with the potatoes and savory sausage, elevating the final dish with a professional, rustic finish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the potatoes may lose their texture.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power until heated through.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container.

This helps maintain the quality of the vegetables and ensures food safety. Once cooled, store the container in the refrigerator to keep the ingredients fresh for consumption within the next few days.

The ingredients can be prepped, chopped, and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed bag or container the night before.

When ready to cook, simply dump the prepped ingredients into the slow cooker, add the broth, and start the machine. This significantly reduces the morning prep time for a busy day.

Serving ideas

Serve the dish hot, ensuring each portion includes a generous amount of green beans, potatoes, and sausage. Spoon the flavorful broth over the top of the bowl to keep the ingredients moist and enhance the overall taste experience for every serving of this hearty, comforting meal.

This dish serves well as a standalone meal due to the presence of protein and vegetables. If additional sides are desired, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice textural contrast to the soft, slow-cooked vegetables and savory sausage, balancing the richness of the meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Green Beans, Potatoes, and Smoked Sausage

Prep 15 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 1/2 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions

1. Wash the green beans and trim the ends. Slice the smoked sausage into uniform rounds. Wash the baby potatoes and cut them in half to ensure even cooking throughout the slow cooker process.
2. Place the sliced smoked sausage, trimmed green beans, and halved potatoes into the basin of the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top of the ingredients to provide moisture for steaming.
3. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. Once the potatoes are fork-tender and the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), the dish is ready to serve hot.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

5 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.