If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, the Crockpot Sausage, Potatoes, and Green Beans Stew Recipe is just what you need. This stew brings together smoky sausage, tender potatoes, crisp green beans, and a touch of spicy tomatoes and chilies, slow-cooked to perfection so all the flavors meld beautifully. It’s an effortless, one-pot wonder that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and fills everyone’s belly with pure satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart of this stew, each adding its own special touch. From the rich smokiness of the sausage to the bright freshness of the green beans, these components come together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- Smoked sausage (2 pounds, sliced): Adds smoky, savory depth and protein that makes the stew filling and flavorful.
- Baby potatoes (2 pounds, halved): Bring creamy, tender bites after slow cooking, soaking up the stew’s delicious juices.
- Medium onions (2, chopped): Provide a sweet and aromatic base that enriches the overall taste.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuse an irresistible savory punch with each spoonful.
- Fresh green beans (12 ounces): Add vibrant color and a fresh crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender potatoes.
- Diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 ounces, with liquid): Bring bright acidity and just the right kick of spice to elevate the stew.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, ½ stick): Imparts a rich, velvety finish that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Offers a fragrant herb blend that ties all the ingredients together.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Boosts the smoky notes while adding a subtle warmth.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every element.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage, Potatoes, and Green Beans Stew Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by layering the hearty base of your stew into the crockpot—add the smoked sausage slices, halved baby potatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, and fresh green beans. This mix sets the stage for the stew’s rich, comforting texture as everything cooks slowly together.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters
Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and green chilies with their liquid, which brings a bright, mildly spicy note that livens up the stew. Then, add the butter and sprinkle the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly on top. These ingredients will melt and mingle during cooking, creating a luscious, seasoned broth.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and let everything work its magic on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The low-and-slow method is ideal for melding flavors and making the potatoes fork-tender while keeping the green beans bright and fresh. Just before serving, taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
How to Serve Crockpot Sausage, Potatoes, and Green Beans Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Add a handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of green and a fresh herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich stew. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors and add a tangy twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Sausage, Potatoes, and Green Beans Stew Recipe is a meal on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls makes it even more satisfying. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the stew’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the stew straight from the crockpot in a large, rustic bowl that invites everyone to dig in. Alternatively, create individual bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. You can even turn leftovers into a skillet meal by frying them with a little oil until crispy edges form.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often taste even better the next day once the ingredients have had time to meld further.
Freezing
This stew freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. You can also use a microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this stew?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage is traditional here, you can swap in mild or spicy Italian sausage, kielbasa, or even chicken sausage depending on your preference. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked or fully cooks during the slow-cooking process.
Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes before adding them to the crockpot?
No need to pre-cook! The baby potatoes will cook perfectly over the 6-8 hour slow cook, becoming tender and absorbing the stew’s delicious flavors.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, just set it to cook following the usual time, adding extra time if you start from cold.
What if I don’t have green beans, can I substitute?
Definitely! You can swap green beans for other green vegetables like snap peas, asparagus, or even broccoli florets added in the last hour of cooking for similar crunch and color.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, this Crockpot Sausage, Potatoes, and Green Beans Stew Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check that your sausage and seasoning blends don’t contain gluten additives.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Sausage, Potatoes, and Green Beans Stew Recipe is a wonderful way to fill your home with irresistible aromas and your belly with comforting flavors, all without much effort. It’s a trusty go-to that feels special yet is so simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new family favorite!
Print
Crockpot Sausage, Potatoes, and Green Beans Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes recipe perfect for an easy, hands-off meal. Tender baby potatoes, smoky sausage, fresh green beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies are slow-cooked together with butter and Italian seasonings, delivering a comforting and satisfying dish ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 12 ounces fresh green beans
Other Ingredients
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies (with liquid)
- 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage, halve the baby potatoes, chop the onions, and mince the garlic cloves. Rinse and trim the fresh green beans.
- Add to Crockpot: Place the sausage, baby potatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, and green beans into the crockpot in an even layer.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour the diced tomatoes and green chilies with their liquid over the mixture. Add the butter and sprinkle Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly on top.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Serve: Once cooked, give the dish a gentle stir to combine everything, then serve warm as a comforting main course.
Notes
- You can use any type of smoked sausage, such as kielbasa or Andouille, based on your preference.
- If fresh green beans are unavailable, frozen green beans may be substituted; add them halfway through cooking to avoid overcooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, especially the salt and pepper.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings by using a larger crockpot.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
