Swamp Potatoes and Sausage Recipe (Easy Slow Cooker Comfort Food)

Craving a hearty, hands-off dinner that fills the house with irresistible smoky aromas? This swamp potatoes and sausage recipe delivers tender Yukon gold potatoes, crisp green beans, and savory sliced sausage all simmered in a buttery Cajun broth. With just 10 minutes of prep and your slow cooker doing the work, it serves 6-8 generously for under $10, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family meals.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 (about 1.5 cups each)
Calories: 450 per serving

Ingredients

3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, washed and diced into 1-inch chunks (no need to peel for extra creaminess)
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (kielbasa or andouille both work great)
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 packet (1 ounce) onion soup mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pats
1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice preference)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup chicken broth for extra sauciness

Instructions

Layer the diced potatoes and onion in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired, then sprinkle with half the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.

Add the sliced sausage in an even layer over the potatoes. Scatter the green beans on top. Sprinkle the entire onion soup mix evenly across the surface, then dot with the butter pats. No need to stir, it all melds together beautifully.

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender and green beans reach your preferred crispness. About halfway through, lift the lid and gently stir once to redistribute the flavors and ensure even cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning with more Cajun or salt if needed.

Serve hot straight from the slow cooker in deep bowls, spooning plenty of that flavorful buttery broth over each portion. Pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak it up.

Why You’ll Love This Swamp Potatoes and Sausage

This dish is pure comfort with minimal effort. The potatoes turn creamy and absorb all the smoky sausage fat and Cajun spices, while green beans stay vibrant and snappy. Butter melts into a rich sauce that needs no thickening. It’s naturally gluten-free, high in protein from the sausage, and veggie-packed for balance. Families rave about the bold yet customizable flavors, and cleanup is a breeze with just one pot.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Choose Yukon gold potatoes for their buttery texture, they hold shape without getting mushy. Slice sausage thick for juicier bites, and don’t skip the butter pats, they create the signature glossy broth. For milder spice, use half the Cajun seasoning or opt for a salt-free blend. If your slow cooker runs hot, check potatoes at 5 hours on low to avoid overcooking the beans. Fresh green beans shine brightest, but frozen work too, just add them later.

Delicious Variations

Make it cheesy by stirring in 1 cup shredded cheddar during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For extra heat, swap in spicy andouille sausage and a dash of hot sauce. Boost veggies with diced bell peppers or carrots layered in with the potatoes. Turn leftovers into breakfast hash by frying with eggs, or stretch it with cooked rice stirred in at the end. Vegetarian swap: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth for a hearty meat-free version.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy as a standalone meal with a side salad and cornbread for sopping up broth. For potlucks, keep warm on low and garnish with fresh parsley. Pairs perfectly with grilled corn or coleslaw on hot summer nights, or roasted chicken for holidays. Kids love the mix of textures, and it’s filling enough for game day crowds.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier. For freezing, portion into zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months, pressing out air to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce. Microwave works too in covered bowls, stirring halfway. Avoid repeated freezing for best texture.

Nutrition Highlights

Each serving offers about 450 calories, with roughly 25g fat from the butter and sausage, 15g protein for satisfaction, 35g carbs mostly from potatoes, and 5g fiber from green beans. It’s a balanced one-pot wonder, naturally low in sugar and packed with potassium from potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are swamp potatoes and sausage? It’s a Southern-inspired slow cooker dish named for the “swampy” buttery broth that forms around tender potatoes, sausage, and green beans. Simple, flavorful, and addictive.

Can I use frozen green beans? Absolutely, add them straight from the freezer during the last 2 hours to prevent mushiness.

Is there an Instant Pot version? Yes, layer as directed, then pressure cook on high for 4 minutes with 10 minutes natural release. Quick and juicy.

Can I make this ahead? Prep everything the night before, store in the fridge, and dump in the slow cooker in the morning. It holds perfectly on warm.

What if I don’t have onion soup mix? Mix 1/4 cup dehydrated onions, 2 tsp beef bouillon, and 1 tsp Worcestershire for a homemade sub.

Is it spicy? The base is mildly savory, but Cajun seasoning adds kick. Taste midway and add more if you love heat.

Dairy-free option? Swap butter for olive oil or ghee, it still creates a luscious sauce.

Best sausage choice? Smoked kielbasa for mild smoke, andouille for Cajun spice, or turkey for leaner protein.

High altitude adjustments? Add 1/4 cup extra broth and reduce cook time by 30 minutes.

Kid-friendly? Yes, the flavors are familiar and customizable, mild version skips extra seasoning.

This swamp potatoes and sausage recipe brings cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort to your table with zero fuss. Pin it for easy dinners, drop a 5-star rating if it became a family hit, and share your tweaks in the comments below!

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