Slow Cooker Lil Smokies with Potatoes and Green Beans Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, don’t overcook the green beans—they should stay slightly firm. If you prefer softer beans, add them at the beginning with the potatoes, but if you like them crisper, add them halfway through.

The cooking time can be adjusted based on your slow cooker’s heat; some run hotter, so check for doneness at the lower end of the range.

To make this dish your own, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also swap the cocktail sausages for smoked sausage slices or kielbasa.

If you have leftover sauce, it’s delicious spooned over rice or mashed potatoes. The recipe is flexible, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a subtle heat that complements the smoky sausages.
• Chicken Sausage: Replace the cocktail sausages with sliced smoked chicken sausage for a lighter option that still delivers plenty of flavor.
• Add Bacon: Cook 4 slices of bacon until crisp, crumble, and sprinkle over the finished dish for an extra layer of smoky richness.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausages for vegetarian cocktail sausages or extra firm tofu cubes, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

You can prep the ingredients up to a day ahead: wash and cut the potatoes, trim the beans, and mix the sauce. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, layer everything in the slow cooker and proceed as directed. This makes the recipe even more convenient for busy days.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish hot, straight from the slow cooker, with a slotted spoon to capture the sausages, potatoes, and beans. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the extra sauce.

For a complete meal, add a simple green salad or steamed rice on the side. The dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but the extras make it feel like a feast.

For a family-style presentation, transfer the contents to a large serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. The glossy sauce and colorful ingredients make it visually appealing.

This recipe is also great for potlucks or game-day gatherings—just keep the slow cooker on warm and let guests serve themselves.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Lil Smokies with Potatoes and Green Beans

Prep 15 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb cocktail sausages (lil smokies)
• 1 1/2 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 12 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Wash and halve the baby potatoes. Trim the green beans if needed. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Place the halved potatoes and green beans in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the cocktail sausages on top. Pour the prepared sauce over everything, making sure the liquid coats the ingredients evenly.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sausages are heated through. Stir once halfway through if possible, but avoid lifting the lid too often. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
4. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is glossy and thickened to your liking.
5. Using a serving spoon, scoop the saucy sausages, potatoes, and green beans onto plates. Serve hot, directly from the slow cooker or transferred to a serving dish.

Contains: gluten, soy, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

14 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

22 g

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