Crockpot Lil Smokies, Potatoes & Green Beans is a cozy and comforting dish that transforms classic flavors into a visually stunning and elevated meal. As Chef Crenn, I’ve crafted this recipe to be approachable and easy to prepare, while still capturing the essence of refined comfort food. Let’s create a dish that will make you feel at home and inspire your culinary creativity.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Lil Smokies, Potatoes & Green Beans
This recipe is a perfect blend of comfort and elegance, perfect for any occasion. The tender, slow-cooked lil smokies, buttery potatoes, and crisp-tender green beans come together in a harmonious medley of flavors and textures. With minimal prep work and the convenience of a crockpot, this dish allows you to enjoy the comforts of home while elevating the presentation to something truly special. Get ready to indulge in a meal that’s both visually stunning and soulfully satisfying.
Ingredients
This recipe features a simple, yet flavorful combination of ingredients that come together to create a truly delightful dish. You’ll need lil smokies, baby potatoes, fresh green beans, onion, garlic, chicken broth, butter, and a few seasonings to bring out the best in each component.
- 16 oz – Lil Smokies
- 2 lbs – Baby potatoes, halved
- 1 lb – Fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 medium – Onion, diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
Ingredient Substitutions
- Lil Smokies: Sliced kielbasa or diced chicken — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Baby Potatoes: Baby red or Yukon Gold potatoes — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Crockpot Lil Smokies, Potatoes & Green Beans
This recipe is a breeze to prepare, thanks to the convenience of the crockpot. Let’s walk through the simple steps to achieve a delicious and visually stunning dish.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Slice the baby potatoes in half and trim the ends off the green beans. Arrange the prepped ingredients in the crockpot, creating a colorful layered presentation.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, then dot the top with small pieces of butter. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are crisp-tender.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Once the cooking time is up, give the dish a gentle stir to incorporate all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the Crockpot Lil Smokies, Potatoes & Green Beans warm, allowing the comforting aromas to fill the air and setting the stage for a truly delightful dining experience.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Roasted Vegetables: For an even more elevated twist, try roasting the vegetables before adding them to the crockpot for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
- Seasoning Experimentation: You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as fresh herbs, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Elegant Presentation: To make this dish extra special, serve it on a beautifully arranged platter, garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Meal Prep Option: Assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot the night before, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook. In the morning, simply turn on the crockpot and let the magic happen while you go about your day.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crusty bread, a crisp salad, or a glass of your favorite white wine.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the desired portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping, as the assembled dish can be stored in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Nutrition Information
This dish is a nourishing and balanced meal, providing a combination of protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber. Each serving contains a satisfying and wholesome blend of flavors and nutrients.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh green beans are not available, you can easily substitute frozen green beans. Simply add them to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they maintain their crisp-tender texture.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot the night before, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook. In the morning, simply turn on the crockpot and let the magic happen while you go about your day.
Can I add any other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! This recipe is highly versatile, so feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just be mindful of cooking times and adjust accordingly to ensure everything is perfectly tender.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Absolutely! This Crockpot Lil Smokies, Potatoes & Green Beans recipe is easily scalable to feed a larger group. Simply double or triple the ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed. It’s a great option for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need to satisfy a crowd with a cozy, comforting, and visually stunning dish.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to the Instant Pot. Follow the same ingredient preparation, then cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, with a quick release. This will give you the same tender, flavorful results in a fraction of the time.
Try These Next
- Slow Cooker Instant Pot
- Slow Cooker Sausage And Peppers A Flavorful One Pot Meal
- Savory Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew In The Instant Pot
Crockpot Lil Smokies, Potatoes & Green Beans
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Lil Smokies, Potatoes & Green Beans recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings. The smokies are tender and infused with delicious seasonings, while the potatoes and green beans add a satisfying crunch and freshness.
Ingredients
1 pound Lil Smokies sausages
2 cups baby potatoes, halved
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. 2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top of the potatoes.
3. 3. Layer the fresh green beans over the onions.
4. 4. Add the Lil Smokies sausages evenly across the vegetables.
5. 5. In a bowl, mix the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. 6. Pour the broth mixture over the sausages and vegetables in the crockpot.
7. 7. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
8. 8. Stir gently before serving to combine the flavors.
9. 9. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty meal!
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add some diced bell peppers or carrots.
This dish can be made a day ahead and reheated for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Slow Cooker & Instant Pot
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg