Why You Will Love This Recipe
-
Only one pot. Minimal cleanup.
-
Budget-friendly ingredients.
-
Ready in under an hour.
-
Packed with protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.
-
Warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
-
Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
Ingredients
-
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
-
4 medium potatoes, diced
-
4 cups green beans, trimmed and cut
-
1 medium onion, chopped
-
4 cups chicken broth
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
Ingredient Notes
Smoked sausage: Use a good quality smoked sausage. Kielbasa, andouille, or turkey sausage all work well. The sausage adds smoky flavor to the broth. Slice it into 1/4-inch rounds.
Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes. Yukon Golds hold their shape better. Russets are starchier and will break down slightly, thickening the broth. Dice the potatoes into 1-inch chunks.
Green beans: Use fresh green beans for the best texture. Trim the ends and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Frozen green beans can be substituted. Use 4 cups of frozen beans and add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Onion: A yellow onion provides the right balance of sweetness and savory depth. Dice it finely so it melts into the broth.
Chicken broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is preferred. The smoked sausage already contains salt. Low-sodium broth gives you more control. Vegetable broth can be substituted.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper are the basics. Adjust to your taste.
Method
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Onion
Stir in the chopped onion. Cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. The onion will become translucent and slightly sweet.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Broth
Add the diced potatoes and green beans to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Adjust and Serve
Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve hot in bowls, making sure each serving gets plenty of sausage, potatoes, and green beans.
How to Serve This Stew
This hearty stew is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple additions can round it out.
With Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the flavorful broth.
With a Side Salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
With Cornbread: Buttery cornbread is a natural partner for this Southern-inspired stew.
With Rice: Serve over white rice to stretch the meal further.
With Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.
Variations & Tips
Make It With Kale: Add 2 cups of chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Make It With Carrots: Add 2 diced carrots along with the potatoes.
Make It With Corn: Add 1 cup of frozen corn during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Make It Spicier: Use andouille sausage. Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Make It With Different Sausage: Use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or vegetarian sausage.
Make It With Fresh Herbs: Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary.
Make It With Bacon: Add 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon along with the sausage.
Make It Thicker: Mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken the broth.
Make It in a Slow Cooker: Brown the sausage and onion on the stove. Transfer to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
Pro Tips for Absolute Success
Brown the sausage before adding the liquid. This step adds significant flavor to the broth.
Cut the potatoes into even chunks. Uniform size ensures even cooking.
Do not overcook the green beans. They should be tender but still have a little bite. Add them during the last 10 minutes if you prefer them crisper.
Taste before adding more salt. The smoked sausage and broth both contain salt. Taste first, then adjust.
Let the stew rest before serving. A few minutes off the heat allows the flavors to meld.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes. Add frozen green beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking. They will heat through without becoming mushy.
Can I use a different sausage?
Yes. Kielbasa, andouille, turkey sausage, or chicken sausage all work well.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the sausage and onion on the stove. Transfer to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes. This stew freezes well. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Carrots, celery, corn, and kale all work well.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth and vegetarian smoked sausage. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
Why are my potatoes still hard?
The potatoes were cut too large, or they did not cook long enough. Cut into 1-inch chunks. Simmer until tender, up to 35 minutes.
Can I use a different broth?
Yes. Vegetable broth or beef broth can be substituted.
Can I add cream to this stew?
Yes. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a richer stew.
The Beauty of One-Pot Meals
There is a reason one-pot meals have been popular for generations. They are efficient. They are forgiving. They turn a handful of ingredients into something that feels like a real meal.
This green bean, potato, and smoked sausage stew is a perfect example. The sausage provides protein and smoky flavor. The potatoes add substance. The green beans provide color and nutrition. The broth ties everything together.
Everything cooks in one pot. The flavors meld together. The kitchen fills with the smell of comfort. The only thing you need to wash after dinner is one pot and a few bowls.
This is the kind of meal you make on a busy weeknight. The kind you make when you need something warm and satisfying. The kind you make when you want to feed your family well without spending all night in the kitchen.
Keep smoked sausage in your freezer. Keep potatoes and onions in your pantry. Keep green beans in your fridge. Keep broth in your cupboard. This recipe is the reason why.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40 to 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
-
Calories: 320
-
Protein: 14g
-
Carbohydrates: 28g
-
Fat: 17g
-
Fiber: 4g
-
Sodium: 780mg