Crockpot Beef Smokies, Potatoes, and Green Beans

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW or 2½–3½ hours on HIGH
Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 ½ lb beef smoked sausages or beef smokies, sliced into bite-size pieces

1 ½ lb baby potatoes, halved

4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed

1 small onion, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat

Instructions

1. Wash the potatoes and cut the larger ones in half. Trim the green beans and slice the beef smokies.
2. Place the potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Add the green beans, sliced onion, and beef smokies on top.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
5. Pour the seasoned butter mixture evenly over everything in the crockpot.
6. Gently toss the ingredients with a large spoon so the seasoning coats the potatoes, green beans, and sausage.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3½ hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are cooked to your preferred texture.
8. During the final 20–30 minutes, check the seasoning and add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika if needed.
9. Serve hot with some of the flavorful buttery broth spooned over the top.

Tips

For crispy edges, transfer the cooked mixture to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes after slow cooking.

Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes work especially well because they hold their shape during slow cooking.

For a richer flavor, lightly brown the beef smokies in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot.

Fresh green beans give the best texture, but frozen green beans can also be used. Add frozen beans during the last 1–2 hours so they don’t become overly soft.

For extra heat, add Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.

For a cheesy version, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the finished dish and cover for 5 minutes until melted.

Q&A

Q: Can I use regular smoked sausage instead of beef smokies?

A: Yes. Beef smoked sausage, kielbasa, or another fully cooked smoked sausage can be substituted.

Q: Can I use frozen green beans?

A: Yes. Frozen green beans work well, but adding them later in the cooking process helps prevent them from becoming mushy.

Q: Do I need to brown the beef smokies first?

A: No. They are already cooked, so you can add them directly to the crockpot. Browning them first simply adds extra color and flavor.

Q: Can I use canned green beans?

A: Yes, but drain them well and add them during the last 30–60 minutes because canned green beans are already cooked.

Q: Can I make this recipe spicy?

A: Yes. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, Cajun seasoning, or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?

A: Yes. Chop the potatoes, green beans, onion, and sausage ahead of time and refrigerate them separately until you’re ready to assemble the crockpot.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.