If you’re looking for a hands-off dinner that feeds the whole family, look no further than these Crockpot Lil Smokies with potatoes and green beans!
Everything goes into one slow cooker, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you’d rather skip the stovetop and still enjoy a sausage and vegetable dinner that practically cooks itself.
Did you know that bite-sized smokies have long been a potluck favorite across America? With just five simple ingredients, you can serve a meal that impresses your family as much as a hearty beef bowl does.
Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and a few tips to make this dish truly shine!
Ingredients for Crockpot Lil Smokies
To create this comforting slow cooker dinner, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients
- 1 package beef mini sausages (halal) about 12 to 14 ounces, the classic bite-sized smokies
- 1 pound baby potatoes halved, so they cook evenly and turn tender
- 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed, with the tough stem ends removed
- 1 cup barbecue sauce alcohol-free, for a sweet and tangy glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste, for seasoning the potatoes
How to Prepare the Ingredients
Here’s how to get everything ready before the slow cooker goes on:
- Prep the Potatoes: Rinse the baby potatoes and cut each one in half so they cook at the same rate.
- Trim the Green Beans: Snap off the stem ends from the fresh green beans, then rinse them under cool water and pat them dry.
- Drain the Sausages: Open the package of beef mini sausages and drain any liquid before adding them to the slow cooker.
Cooking in the Slow Cooker
Once everything is prepped, it’s time to load the slow cooker:
- Layer the Potatoes: Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
- Add the Sausages: Scatter the beef mini sausages evenly over the potatoes.
- Add the Green Beans: Spread the trimmed green beans over the top of the sausages.
- Coat with Sauce: Pour the barbecue sauce over everything and gently stir until the potatoes and sausages are evenly coated.
- Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are soft.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about this dish is its versatility!
- Spicy Kick: Choose a spicier alcohol-free barbecue sauce for a little extra heat.
- Sweet and Smoky: Pick a smoky or honey-flavored barbecue sauce for a deeper, richer taste.
- Vegetable Additions: Toss in halved baby carrots or sliced bell peppers at the start for extra color and crunch.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a melty topping.
Serving Suggestions
These saucy bites pair well with a side of maple glazed carrots for a sweet and colorful plate.
For drinks, serve sparkling lemonade or iced tea to balance the rich, tangy barbecue flavor.
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a comforting Crockpot Lil Smokies dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Keep this recipe handy for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or easy potluck contributions.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your sauce and add-ins, because there’s no limit to how you can customize this recipe!
Try it today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use turkey or chicken lil smokies instead?
Yes, poultry smokies work well and become tender in the same cooking time.
What should I serve with these?
Crusty bread or a simple green salad makes an excellent side for soaking up the sauce.
How can I store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, then reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Easy Potatoes and Green Beans Crockpot Lil Smokies
Ingredients
- 1 package beef mini sausages halal, about 12 to 14 ounces
- 1 pound baby potatoes halved
- 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed
- 1 cup barbecue sauce alcohol-free
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Rinse the baby potatoes and cut each one in half so they cook at the same rate.
- Trim the Green Beans: Snap off the stem ends from the fresh green beans, then rinse them under cool water and pat them dry.
- Drain the Sausages: Open the package of beef mini sausages and drain any liquid before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Layer the Potatoes: Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
- Add the Sausages: Scatter the beef mini sausages evenly over the potatoes.
- Add the Green Beans: Spread the trimmed green beans over the top of the sausages.
- Coat with Sauce: Pour the barbecue sauce over everything and gently stir until the potatoes and sausages are evenly coated.
- Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are soft.
