Sometimes the simplest meals are the ones that bring everyone together. Green beans and potatoes with Polish sausage is one of those dishes — comforting, hearty, and effortlessly satisfying. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want dinner to be warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
This classic combination delivers a wonderful mix of savory, smoky, and wholesome flavors that make seconds inevitable. Even better, it’s a one-pot wonder using everyday ingredients and takes under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Let’s dive in — this is one dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you grew up in the Midwest or the South, chances are this meal feels familiar. It’s the kind of recipe that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas — smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and a rich, comforting broth.
Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:
- Simple ingredients: Just potatoes, green beans, Polish sausage, and chicken broth.
- One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup, more time to relax.
- Budget-friendly: Affordable, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Flexible: Use canned, frozen, or fresh green beans — whatever you have.
Pro tip: leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for this cozy meal:
- 2 cups diced potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold work best; they hold their shape well.
- 2 cups green beans – Fresh, frozen, or canned all work. Fresh gives extra texture, canned makes it faster.
- 1 cup Polish sausage, sliced – Kielbasa adds that smoky richness that ties everything together.
- 4 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium works if you want to control salt.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, added at the end.
That’s it — no fancy ingredients, no complicated prep. Just straightforward comfort food.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Broth
In a large pot, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to cook the potatoes without boiling over.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until they begin to soften. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet; they’ll finish cooking with the other ingredients.
Tip: Smaller dice = faster cooking and more flavorful potatoes.
Step 3: Add the Green Beans
Add your green beans next. Fresh, frozen, or canned — they’ll take 5–7 minutes to reach tender perfection. Fresh beans stay firmer, canned soften quickly.
Step 4: Add the Polish Sausage
Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces and stir it into the pot. Let everything simmer together for 5–10 minutes so the sausage heats through and flavors infuse the broth.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste the broth and add salt and pepper as needed. Some sausages are already salty, so season carefully. That’s it — dinner is ready!
Tips for a Faster, Easier Meal
Busy night? Here’s how to simplify:
- Pre-cooked sausage: Skip pre-frying; just heat it in the pot.
- Canned green beans: Drain, rinse, and add for a quick shortcut.
- Microwave potatoes: Cook for 2–3 minutes before adding to the pot to save time.
- Butter for richness: Stir in a small pat at the end for a velvety finish.
You can also add chopped onions, corn, or carrots to stretch the meal and add extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
While hearty on its own, these sides elevate the meal:
- Crusty bread or cornbread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Green salad: Adds a fresh, crisp balance.
- Pickles or sauerkraut: Classic accompaniments that complement the sausage.
For a crowd, serve straight from the pot — rustic, comforting, and family-friendly.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers? Even better the next day.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat; add a splash of broth if needed.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; potatoes may soften slightly but the flavor remains delicious.
Variations to Try
This recipe is easy to customize:
- Onions or garlic: Sauté first for extra depth.
- Swap the sausage: Try smoked turkey, andouille, or spicy sausage.
- Add carrots: Adds sweetness and color.
- Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream or sour cream for a richer broth.
No matter the tweaks, the dish stays simple, hearty, and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Green beans and potatoes with Polish sausage isn’t fancy, but it’s the kind of meal that hits the spot every time. Warm, satisfying, and comforting, it’s perfect for Sunday dinners, quick weeknight meals, or meal prep.
So grab your pot, slice that sausage, and get cooking — your kitchen is about to smell amazing.