If you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes Recipe is absolutely for you. The marriage of smoky sausage, tender baby potatoes, fresh green beans, and a flavorful blend of spices all slow-cooked to perfection makes for an effortless crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and fills your belly with satisfying, hearty goodness every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients, each selected to build layers of flavor and heartiness. From the savory sausage to the sweet onions and garlicky aroma, plus the fresh green beans for a pop of color and crunch—every component plays a starring role.
- 2 pounds smoked sausage: Choose your favorite smoked sausage for robust, smoky flavor that infuses the whole dish.
- 2 pounds baby potatoes: Halved for perfect tenderness and to soak up those delicious juices.
- 2 medium onions: Chopped to bring natural sweetness and depth.
- 3 garlic cloves: Minced to add a savory punch that ties the ingredients together.
- 12 ounces fresh green beans: Added for a touch of vibrant color and a crisp bite amidst the softness.
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies: With their liquid, they provide a subtle tang and slight kick that makes each bite exciting.
- 4 tablespoons butter: (half a stick) Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors into a silky finish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that elevates the dish with classic Italian notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smokiness and adds a warm, earthy undertone.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course, balancing and enhancing each flavor perfectly.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Basics
Start by placing the sliced smoked sausage, halved baby potatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, and fresh green beans right into your crockpot. This mix of hearty and fresh ingredients forms the perfect foundation for your dish, ensuring every bite has that beautiful balance of flavors and textures.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Butter, and Seasonings
Next, pour over the diced tomatoes and green chilies, including all that tasty liquid—it’s packed with flavor and moisture. Add the butter in chunks on top to melt slowly, enriching the dish with a luscious texture. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for that perfect punch of herbal, smoky, and savory goodness.
Step 3: Let It Slow Cook
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook either on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking time allows the potatoes to become tender and soak up the rich, smoky sauce, marrying everything together into a hearty, soul-satisfying meal. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the sausage is bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions can elevate this dish with a fresh, bright note that contrasts beautifully with the smoky richness. For an extra flavor boost, try topping with a little shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream to add creaminess.
Side Dishes
While this meal is substantial on its own, pairing it with a light side salad or some crusty bread can help round out the experience. A crisp cucumber salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the dish by adding brightness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style in a beautiful rustic bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the green beans and tomatoes dancing alongside golden potatoes and sausage. Alternatively, plate it individually with a sprinkle of parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil to make it feel extra special for guests or a cozy dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors even deepen, making the second serving arguably better than the first!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to three months and makes for a lifesaver busy day meal when you just want to heat and eat.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry, or microwave in a covered dish until hot throughout. This will bring back that fresh-from-the-crockpot warmth and delight.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds wonderful depth, fresh sausage will work nicely too—just expect a slightly different flavor profile, perhaps a bit milder. You can always add a pinch more smoked paprika to compensate.
Do I need to peel the baby potatoes?
No need to peel baby potatoes. Their thin skins become tender and add great texture and nutrients, plus they help hold the potatoes together during slow cooking.
Can this recipe be made without a crockpot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the oven or stove. Cook at a low temperature in a covered Dutch oven for about two hours, or simmer gently on the stove until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
What can I substitute for green beans?
Great question! You can swap green beans for snap peas, asparagus, or even carrots—just adjust the cooking time slightly to keep veggies tender but crisp.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Increase the green chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to kick up the heat according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes that becomes a fast favorite because it’s so full of flavor, absolutely effortless, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a satisfying dinner with minimal fuss, it’s a recipe you’ll want to have in your regular rotation. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to weeknight winner!
Print
Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes dish featuring smoked sausage, baby potatoes, fresh green beans, and a blend of savory seasonings, all slow-cooked to tender perfection. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for busy days and serves a comforting family-sized portion.
Ingredients
Meats
- 2 pounds smoked sausage, sliced
Vegetables
- 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.
- Load Crockpot: Place the sliced sausages, halved baby potatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, and fresh green beans evenly into the crockpot.
- Add Toppings and Seasonings: Pour the diced tomatoes and green chilies along with their liquid over the ingredients in the crockpot. Add the butter in pieces on top, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper according to your taste.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork tender and the flavors are well melded.
- Serve: Once cooked, stir gently to combine and serve hot as a complete and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the seasonings.
- You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or any smoked sausage variety available.
- If fresh green beans are not available, frozen green beans can be used; just add them in the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking.
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of your sausage and canned tomatoes.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat easily.
