Name: Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491717H29M28S
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 2 pounds smoked sausage (sliced); 2 pounds baby potatoes (halved); 2 medium onions (chopped); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 12 ounces fresh green beans; 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)

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The warm, savory scent of smoked sausage mingling with the earthy aroma of baby potatoes and sweet green beans fills the kitchen as the slow cooker works its magic. There’s something delightful about that bubbling blend of flavors, just waiting to become a hearty meal. Picture this: a cozy evening at home after a long day, the kids’ laughter echoing as you gather at the dinner table, anticipation building for what’s to come. Memories of sharing food with family and friends dance in your mind, making every bite more than just a meal.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes

As the seasons change and cooler nights invite warmth, the Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes becomes the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when meal prep feels overwhelming. All it takes is ten minutes to prep, and then you can let the slow cooker do the work. Before you know it, you’ve got a delicious dinner waiting to be served. So grab your ingredients, and let’s make it happen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just ten minutes of prep time, then let your crockpot do the heavy lifting!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh beans offers a mouthwatering experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as much as for the taste buds.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets. Just check your sausage and broth!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 pounds smoked sausage (sliced): Choose your favorite variety, such as kielbasa or andouille. They give the dish a rich, smoky flavor. If you prefer turkey or chicken sausage, feel free to substitute; just adjust cooking times if different.
2 pounds baby potatoes (halved): Their creamy flesh holds up beautifully during long cooking. For variety, switch to sweet potatoes; they add a nice sweetness to the mix.
2 medium onions (chopped): They add depth to the dish. Yellow onions work well, but feel free to use red or shallots for different tastes.
3 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic brings a fragrant punch to the dish. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but fresh is always best!
12 ounces fresh green beans: Trimmed and vibrant, they lend a fresh, crisp texture. You can swap them for frozen green beans if necessary, just reduce cooking time slightly.
10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies (with liquid): Adds a touch of heat and acidity. This ingredient is key to achieving that comforting stew-like consistency.
4 Tablespoons butter (1/2 stick): Butter helps creates a rich, satisfying flavor. For a healthier option, use olive oil instead.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This aromatic blend enhances the savory depth. You can make your own or adjust to taste with herbs like oregano or basil.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: It introduces that lovely smoky note; regular paprika works too if you prefer less smoke.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors together. Always season to your liking!

How to Make Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes

Prep the Ingredients: Start by slicing the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. Halve the baby potatoes and chop the onions. Mince your garlic cloves, and if your green beans aren’t pre-trimmed, make sure to cut off the ends. The prep only takes about ten minutes, making this step super quick and easy!

Combine And Layer: In your slow cooker, add the sliced sausage, halved baby potatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, and trimmed green beans. Layering the ingredients allows them to cook evenly, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Add Flavor: Pour the diced tomatoes and green chilies over the top, including their liquid. Then, add the butter cut into chunks. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and smoked paprika, followed by salt and pepper to taste. The simmering will help meld all these luscious flavors together, creating a delightful aroma in your kitchen.

Set Your Crockpot: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The low-and-slow method is ideal for transforming the potatoes into fork-tender deliciousness, while the high setting is perfect for when you’re pressed for time.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking timer goes off, give everything a gentle stir, allowing all those flavors to mix even more. Then dish out generous portions into bowls! You might want to sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Enjoy every comforting bite of this hearty meal!

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftover Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. Just remember, the texture may change slightly after freezing, but a touch of additional butter or a splash of broth when reheating can help refresh the flavors.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always slice potatoes evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
If you want to enhance the flavor even further, throw in your favorite fresh herbs right before serving.
Going for a crispy texture on the sausage? Try browning them in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot.
Adjust cooking times depending on your specific crockpot; some cook hotter than others.
Make this dish ahead of time for meal prep; it holds up wonderfully in the fridge for easy reheating.

Eating should be a joyful experience, and this comforting Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes is perfect for that. Not only is it a breeze to prepare, but it’s also delicious, packed with flavors that family and friends will adore. Plus, the aromatic blend wafting through your home is downright inviting. Feel free to experiment with ingredients; perhaps you’ll add some bell peppers or try a different spice blend!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage?

Absolutely! While smoked sausage lends a wonderful flavor, you can experiment with chicken sausage, kielbasa, or even vegetarian sausages. Each variety brings its unique characteristics to the dish, making it versatile and adaptable.

How do I know when it’s done cooking?

The dish is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork, and the sausage should be cooked through. The whole mixture should be bubbling nicely and fragrant!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales really well! Just ensure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the larger volume. The cooking time may remain the same, but it’s always good to check doneness a little earlier.

What can I serve with this dish?

While it’s a complete meal on its own, consider pairing it with a light salad or some crusty bread on the side for soaking up those delicious juices. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese can also take it to another level of indulgence!