Name: Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Polish kielbasa (authentic smoked variety); 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and washed; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tsp Hungarian sweet paprika; 1 tsp caraway seeds; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 bay leaves (remove before serving); 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; Kosher salt, to taste

Description

This Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans recipe captures the rustic heart of Eastern European comfort food. With smoky kielbasa, fresh green beans, caramelized onions, and classic spices like paprika and caraway, this slow-cooked dish delivers old-world flavor with modern ease. Perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs Polish kielbasa (authentic smoked variety)

2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and washed

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

2 tsp Hungarian sweet paprika

1 tsp caraway seeds

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

2 bay leaves (remove before serving)

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Kosher salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Slice kielbasa into ½-inch rounds. Trim the green beans, slice the onion, and mince the garlic.

2. Layer onions at the bottom of your crockpot, followed by green beans.

3. Arrange kielbasa slices on top of the vegetables.

4. Sprinkle paprika, caraway seeds, black pepper, and a pinch of salt evenly over all ingredients.

5. Pour in chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, then tuck in the bay leaves.

6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until green beans are tender but not mushy.

7. Remove bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste and enjoy hot.

Notes

Use high-quality smoked kielbasa from a Polish deli for the most authentic flavor.

Toast caraway seeds in a dry pan before adding to enhance aroma.

Avoid stirring too often to keep beans from becoming mushy.

For crisper beans, add them during the last 2 hours of cooking.

Taste and adjust saltiness before serving — slow cooking can intensify flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food
Method: Crockpot
Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 385
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 980 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg