Mediterranean Green Beans and Potatoes with Sausage
This hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish combines smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and flavorful green beans simmered in a savory broth with herbs and spices. It’s a one-pot comfort meal that’s simple to prepare yet packed with rustic, homey flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, this dish is versatile and satisfying on its own or served with crusty bread.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Sausage: 1–2 packages smoked Polish sausage or Kielbasa, sliced
Potatoes: 8 medium Yukon Gold potatoes or 3–4 large russet/red potatoes, peeled and cubed
Green Beans: 2 cans French-style green beans (undrained) OR 4 cups fresh/frozen green beans
Onion: 1 large white or yellow onion, cubed or sliced
Broth/Water: 1 (14.5 oz) can beef broth + 2 cups water (or substitute chicken broth)
Butter/Oil: 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
Seasonings:
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika for depth)
Instructions
Prepare ingredients: Slice the sausage into bite-sized rounds. Peel and cube the potatoes. Slice or cube the onion. If using fresh green beans, trim the ends.
Cook sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add the onion. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
Simmer potatoes: Add potatoes, broth, and water (or all broth). Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are just tender.
Add green beans & sausage: Stir in green beans (with liquid if using canned) and browned sausage. Cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and the potatoes to soften fully.
Taste and adjust: Check seasoning and adjust salt, pepper, or paprika to taste. For a thicker broth, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot with crusty bread or as a hearty main dish.
Tips
Choose the right sausage: Smoked Polish sausage or kielbasa works best, but you can also use chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Cut evenly: Make sure potatoes are cubed evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Don’t overcook the beans: If using fresh or frozen beans, add them later in the cooking process so they stay bright and tender-crisp.
Thicker broth option: Mash a few potato cubes against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the broth.
Flavor boost: A splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar at the end brightens the dish.
Variations
Mediterranean touch: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley and oregano before serving.
Spicy version: Use hot smoked sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
Cheesy finish: Stir in shredded Parmesan or feta at the end for a richer flavor.
Tomato base: Add 1 cup tomato sauce or canned diced tomatoes to make it more stew-like.
Vegetarian option: Skip the sausage and replace it with chickpeas or white beans for protein.
Sheet-pan style: Roast sausage, potatoes, onions, and green beans in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30–35 minutes with olive oil and seasonings for a crispier version.
Q&A
Q: Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
A: Yes, fresh or frozen green beans work great. Just add them in during the last 10–12 minutes of cooking so they don’t get mushy.
Q: What type of sausage works best?
A: Smoked Polish sausage or kielbasa gives the best flavor, but chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage can be used for lighter or vegetarian versions.
Q: How do I make the dish less salty?
A: Use low-sodium broth and rinse canned beans before adding them. Adjust salt at the end to taste.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. It reheats well the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely. Layer potatoes, onion, green beans, and sausage in a slow cooker. Add broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~380
Protein: 16 g
Fat: 21 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugars: 5 g
Sodium: 950 mg
(Values vary depending on sausage type, broth, and whether canned or fresh beans are used.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Green Beans and Potatoes with Sausage is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and savory beans create a well-rounded dish that works as both a main course and a side. With simple swaps—like using fresh herbs, adding a spicy twist, or going meat-free—you can make it fit any table. Whether you’re serving it for a quick family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s a dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying.