There’s something deeply comforting about Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage, especially when it’s cooking and filling the kitchen with that rich, Southern aroma. This classic comfort dish is hearty, budget-friendly, and made with simple ingredients that always seem to bring people together. I’ve cooked it more times than I can count—sometimes low and slow on the stovetop, other times baked in the oven when I want things easy and hands-off. No matter how you make it, the flavors are bold, familiar, and satisfying. If you’re craving a meal that feels like home and works around your schedule, this recipe is for you.
Why You’ll Love This Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage Recipe
This is one of those recipes that just fits real life. It uses simple, everyday ingredients, and chances are you already have most of them in your kitchen. I’ve served this dish as a full meal on busy nights and as a side for Sunday dinners, and it always works. The best part is flexibility—you can cook it on the stovetop or bake it in the oven without losing flavor. You get big Southern comfort with very little effort, which is exactly what home cooking should be.
What Kind of Green Beans, Potatoes, and Sausage Should I Use?
When it comes to Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage, the ingredients are flexible, which makes this dish easy to adapt. Fresh green beans work best on the stovetop because they hold their shape during longer simmering, while canned no-salt-added green beans are perfect for the oven when you want something quick and tender. For potatoes, baby gold, red potatoes, or Yukon golds are ideal since they cook evenly and stay creamy without falling apart, no matter which method you use.
Sausage is where the flavor really shines. Andouille brings a bold, smoky Southern kick, smoked sausage is milder and great for families, and chicken sausage works well if you want a lighter option. All three cook beautifully on the stovetop or in the oven, so you can choose based on taste, heat level, or what you already have on hand.
Options for Substitutions
This recipe is easy to adjust based on what you have or how you eat. You can swap fresh green beans for canned without changing the method. If andouille is too spicy, smoked or chicken sausage works just fine. Chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. Butter can be swapped for olive oil, and if you avoid pork, simply leave out the bacon and the dish still tastes rich and satisfying.
Ingredients for Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage
- Green beans (fresh or canned)
These are the heart of the dish. Fresh beans hold up well on the stovetop, while canned beans save time and soak up flavor fast in the oven. - Baby potatoes
They make the dish filling and cozy. I love how they turn tender and creamy without falling apart. - Andouille sausage
This brings bold, smoky Southern flavor. It seasons the whole pot as it cooks. - Onion
Onion adds that slow-built sweetness. It melts into the dish and deepens the flavor. - Bell peppers
They add color and a mild sweetness. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference. - Garlic
Garlic wakes everything up. Just a little makes the whole dish smell like home. - Chicken broth
This keeps things moist and flavorful. Low-sodium broth lets you control the salt. - Butter
Butter adds richness and comfort. It gives the dish that old-school Southern feel. - Olive oil
This helps brown the sausage and veggies. It also works well if you skip butter. - Flour (optional, for smothered version)
Flour is only for the stovetop version. It thickens the broth into a light gravy. - Cajun or Creole seasoning
This brings warmth and depth. A little goes a long way. - Black pepper
It adds gentle heat and balance. I always finish with a few extra cracks. - Red pepper flakes (optional)
These are for heat lovers. Add more or skip them—it’s your call. - Salt
Use it carefully since sausage and beans already have salt. Taste as you go.
This ingredient list keeps Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage simple, flexible, and full of flavor—just like good Southern cooking should be.
How to Make Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by washing everything well. Trim the green beans, cut the potatoes into even pieces, and slice the sausage. I like to prep it all first so cooking feels calm, not rushed. Once everything is ready, the rest goes fast.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Aromatics
Heat a pan with a little oil and brown the sausage first. This step builds flavor, so don’t rush it. Add the onion and bell peppers once the sausage has color, then stir in the garlic last so it doesn’t burn. Your kitchen should smell amazing right about now.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Add butter to the pan and let it melt into everything. If you’re using the stovetop method, sprinkle in the flour and stir for a minute to cook it out. Pour in the broth and seasonings, scraping the pan to lift all that good flavor. This is where the dish really comes together.
Step 4: Add Green Beans and Potatoes
Now add the green beans and potatoes. Give everything a gentle stir so it’s coated in the broth and seasoning. Make sure the potatoes are mostly submerged so they cook evenly. This helps avoid crunchy bites later.
Step 5: Cook Until Tender
For the stovetop, cover and simmer on low until the potatoes are fork-tender. For the oven, transfer everything to a baking dish, cover, and bake until soft. Either way, low and steady heat works best. Patience here pays off.
Step 6: Final Taste & Finish
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or spice if needed. Let the dish rest for a few minutes so the flavors settle. Then serve it up and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort.
How Long to Cook Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage
On the stovetop, this dish usually takes about 25–35 minutes once everything is in the pot. Keep the heat low and steady, then check the potatoes with a fork. If the fork slides in easy, they’re ready. If not, give it a few more minutes and check again.
For the oven, bake it covered at 375°F to 400°F for about 35–45 minutes. The cover helps everything steam and stay tender. To tell if it’s done, pierce a potato with a fork. If there’s no resistance, you’re good to go.
Tips for Perfect Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage
Cut your potatoes close to the same size so they cook evenly. Go light on salt at first since sausage and broth already bring flavor. Always brown the sausage—it’s like building a strong foundation for a house. Low-sodium broth gives you control, and letting the dish rest for a few minutes helps the flavors settle.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
Overcooking green beans can make them soft and dull, so keep an eye on them. Undercooked potatoes are the most common issue, so always test before serving. Skipping the browning step can leave the dish flat and bland. Too much liquid or cooking on high heat can wash out flavors instead of building them.
What to Serve With Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage
Cornbread
Warm cornbread is a classic for a reason. It soaks up all that savory broth and makes every bite feel extra comforting. I never skip it when I have the time.
White Rice
A scoop of white rice turns this into a full, hearty meal. It’s simple, filling, and perfect for catching every bit of flavor in the bowl.
Fried Chicken
If you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for Sunday dinner, fried chicken is a natural match. The crispy outside and juicy inside balance the soft, savory vegetables.
Grilled or Pan-Seared Steak
A simple steak makes this dish feel a little special. The rich meat pairs well with the smoky sausage and tender potatoes.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
The sweetness plays nicely with the savory flavors. It’s a cozy combo that always reminds me of holiday plates.
Mac and Cheese
Creamy mac and cheese adds pure comfort. It’s rich, familiar, and always a hit with kids and adults.
Simple Side Salad
A light salad keeps the meal balanced. The fresh crunch helps cut through the richness and keeps things feeling fresh.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. This dish also freezes well—let it cool fully, then freeze for up to 2 months for easy meals later. For reheating, the stovetop works best to bring the flavors back to life with a splash of broth, but the microwave is fine for quick lunches. Heat until warm all the way through and give it a quick stir before serving.
Estimated Nutrition
Per serving (estimated):
- Calories: 350–420
- Protein: 15–20g
- Carbohydrates: 25–30g
- Fat: 20–25g
- Sodium: Varies based on sausage and broth used
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on ingredient brands, portion size, and substitutions. For precise nutrition information, calculate using your exact ingredients.
FAQs for Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, canned green beans work well for Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage, especially for the oven method. Choose no-salt-added beans so you can control the seasoning.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe has mild heat from the sausage and seasoning. You can make it spicier with red pepper flakes or keep it mild by using smoked or chicken sausage.
Can I make this without sausage?
Yes, you can make Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage without sausage. Add extra veggies or beans, and use more seasoning to keep the flavor balanced.
Can I cook this entirely in the oven?
Yes, Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage can be cooked fully in the oven. Bake it covered so the potatoes turn tender and everything stays moist.
How do I make it thicker or more saucy?
For a thicker sauce, add a small amount of flour when cooking on the stovetop. Let it simmer a bit longer so the liquid reduces and coats everything.
Conclusion
Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage is one of those meals you can make again and again without getting bored. It works on busy weeknights, slow Sundays, and everything in between. You can change the sausage, swap the beans, or cook it your favorite way and still get that same warm, comforting feel. If you try it, make it your own and let me know how you serve it—I’d love to hear your twist, and I can’t wait to cook together again next time.
Green Beans Potatoes and Sausage
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash the green beans, trim the ends, and cut the potatoes into even pieces. Slice the sausage and set everything aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and brown well on both sides.
- Add onion and bell pepper. Cook until soft, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add butter and let it melt. Sprinkle in flour if using, and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and add seasonings. Scrape the pan to release flavor.
- Add green beans and potatoes. Stir gently to coat.
- Cover and simmer on low for 25–35 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- (For oven method: transfer to a baking dish, cover, and bake at 375–400°F for 35–45 minutes.)
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
