Slow Cooker Sausage and Green Bean Medley with Garlic and Thyme
Tender sausage and crisp-tender green beans simmered in a garlic-thyme broth, finished with a hint of lemon zest for a simple, satisfying keto dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker (low-carb) ready in about 255 minutes pairs smoked sausage, green beans, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz smoked sausage
- 2 cups green beans
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 12 oz sliced smoked sausage, 2 cups trimmed and cut green beans, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in the slow cooker, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Step 2: Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours until green beans are tender-crisp and sausage is heated through, stirring once halfway through cooking.
- Step 3: Check for seasoning, adjust salt and pepper if needed, and serve immediately with the cooking liquid spooned over the top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Sausage and Green Bean Medley with Garlic and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Sausage and Green Bean Medley with Garlic and Thyme?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked sausage from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Sausage and Green Bean Medley with Garlic and Thyme?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Sausage and Green Bean Medley with Garlic and Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Slow Cooker Sausage and Green Bean Medley with Garlic and Thyme low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So simple and satisfying. I'll be making this every week. The sausage was perfectly cooked.
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious. The garlic and thyme really elevated the dish. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer! The slow cooker makes the sausage and green beans so tender and flavorful. My family loved it.
