Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Potatoes with Green Beans is the ultimate comfort food dinner—effortless and soul-satisfying, it brings together smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and savory green beans all in one pot. This weeknight lifesaver is full of flavor, requires almost no prep, and tastes like you’ve spent hours fussing in the kitchen (even though your Instant Pot did all the work!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Wonder: You get a full meal—protein, veggie, and starch—cooked together in under 30 minutes, with barely any cleanup required!
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The smoky sausage and Cajun seasoning create bold, savory flavors that even picky eaters can’t resist.
- Customizable for Any Pantry: It’s endlessly adaptable—use any smoked sausage, swap canned or fresh beans, or adjust the seasoning to fit your mood or what you have on hand.
- Truly No-Fuss: The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, so there’s minimal prep (and zero stress) on busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of everyday staples—each with a key role—transform into Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Potatoes with Green Beans. Every ingredient matters, from the hearty potatoes to the spicy sausage and that kick of Cajun seasoning!
- Olive Oil: A little splash helps the sausage brown beautifully, adding richness and flavor depth.
- Minced Onion: Totally optional, but it adds an aromatic sweetness and base layer to every bite.
- Smoked Sausage: The star! Choose your favorite variety (traditional, turkey, or chicken) for that distinctive smoky, savory zing.
- Low Sodium Chicken Stock: Infuses everything with gentle savory notes and keeps your potatoes from sticking—choose low sodium for more control over the saltiness.
- Potatoes: Yukon Golds or russets work perfectly—these soak up all the flavors and turn meltingly tender.
- Cajun Seasoning: Brings a punch of spice, depth, and southern flair; swap for seasoned salt if you like it milder.
- Canned Green Beans: Incredibly convenient, and a true nostalgia hit; or go for fresh if you prefer more crunch and color.
Variations
This dish is just begging to be tailored to your tastes—or simply adjusted to whatever’s in your fridge. Don’t be afraid to mix it up to meet your family’s needs or get creative with bold new flavors.
- Fresh Green Beans: Swap in trimmed, fresh green beans for extra snap and bright color; just add 2–3 minutes to the pressure cook time if you want them ultra-tender.
- Sausage Swap: Chicken or turkey sausage works just as well as classic smoky pork—and lightens things up without sacrificing flavor.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute cubed cauliflower florets for potatoes to cut carbs without losing that hearty texture.
- Different Seasonings: Go in a different direction with Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence to bring a Mediterranean twist to the pot.
How to Make Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Potatoes with Green Beans
Step 1: Sauté Sausage and Onion
Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté,” pour in the olive oil, and let it heat for a minute so the sausage doesn’t stick. Add the sliced smoked sausage and optional minced onion. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes, letting the sausage brown lightly and the onion turn soft and fragrant—that quick browning step builds incredible flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Deglaze and Layer Ingredients
Hit “Cancel” to turn off Sauté, then pour in your chicken stock. Use a wooden spoon to scrape all those tasty caramelized bits off the bottom of the pot—they’ll infuse the entire dish. Scatter the cubed potatoes over the sausage, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly, then pile on the drained green beans. No need to stir—layering keeps the green beans from getting too soft.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid and set the vent to “Sealing.” Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the timer: 2 minutes on High for creamy potatoes, or 1 minute if you want them just fork-tender with a bit of bite. The pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure—perfect for tidying up or setting the table!
Step 4: Natural Release & Serve
Allow the Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Potatoes with Green Beans to naturally release for at least 5 minutes after cooking. Carefully turn the vent to “Venting” for a quick release of any remaining steam—keep your face and hands away! Open the lid, gently stir everything together to distribute the buttery stock, and serve piping hot.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Potatoes with Green Beans
- Layering for Texture: Place potatoes underneath green beans in the Instant Pot—the potatoes will become velvety soft while the beans retain a bit of bite on top.
- Quick Scrape Saves the Day: Don’t skip deglazing—scraping the pot with broth after sautéing prevents that dreaded burn notice and infuses the dish with heaps of flavor.
- Go Easy on Extra Salt: Since smoked sausage and canned beans are both salty, use low sodium stock and taste before adding more seasoning at the end.
- Sausage Choices Matter: Opt for nitrate-free, high-quality sausage for an even richer, “Sunday Dinner” taste—turkey or chicken varieties work beautifully, too.
How to Serve Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Potatoes with Green Beans
Garnishes
This homey dish is already bursting with color, but a few sprinkles of fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or even a little grated Parmesan add a pop of freshness and make your Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Potatoes with Green Beans look extra inviting on the table.
Side Dishes
It’s happily a one-pot meal, but for those nights you want a little extra, try serving with crusty bread to mop up the juices, a fresh cucumber salad for a crisp bite, or buttery cornbread to turn it into a true Southern feast.
Creative Ways to Present
To really impress, serve family-style in a big shallow platter, with the sausage and potatoes peeking through the green beans and colorful garnishes scattered on top. Or portion into rustic bowls, and add a dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce for the adventurous eaters at your table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish only gets more flavorful as the sausage juices and spices meld with the potatoes and green beans overnight—hello, easy lunch!
Freezing
Because of the tender potatoes and green beans, freezing isn’t recommended—the veggies can get a bit mushy once thawed and reheated. For best results, just make what you’ll eat within a few days, or share extra servings with neighbors or friends!
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop servings in a microwave-safe bowl and warm in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until hot. If you prefer the stovetop, add a splash of extra broth or water to help loosen things up, and gently reheat over medium heat, stirring constantly.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just trim and cut the beans. Fresh green beans hold their shape nicely and offer more bite. Add a couple of minutes to the pressure cook time (3–4 minutes total) if you like them really tender, or stick with 2 for more crispness.
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What kind of potatoes are best for Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Potatoes with Green Beans?
Yukon Golds bring the perfect creamy texture, but russets or red potatoes also work well. Just cut them into even, 1-inch cubes so they cook at the same rate and don’t dissolve during pressure cooking.
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How can I make this lower in sodium?
Choose low sodium chicken stock, “no salt added” canned green beans, and a lower-sodium smoked sausage. You can even rinse the beans and sausage briefly before cooking for extra peace of mind, and season the dish to taste at the end.
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Do I have to sauté the sausage and onions first?
Sautéing delivers maximum flavor and that irresistible browned sausage bite, but if you’re in a rush, it’s perfectly fine to skip it. Just layer everything in the pot as directed and cook—the dinner will still be deliciously hearty.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the pure comfort of a generous bowl of Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Potatoes with Green Beans—especially when it comes together with such ease. If you try it, don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a family favorite! I can’t wait for you to dig in and create your own delicious memories around the table.
Print
Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Potatoes with Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Potatoes with Green Beans recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and crisp green beans come together with Cajun seasoning for a delicious dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced onion (optional)
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 cup low sodium chicken stock *for 3 or 6-quart model
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken stock *for 8-quart model
- 2 pounds potatoes, cubed
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 32 ounces canned green beans, drained
Instructions
- Turn Instant Pot to saute: Add 1 teaspoon olive oil and allow it to heat up for a minute.
- Add sausage and onion: Saute for 2-3 minutes until sausage browns and onions soften. Turn off the Instant Pot.
- Add chicken stock: Scrape up browned bits, then add potatoes and Cajun seasoning.
- Add green beans: Layer them on top.
- Cook: Seal the Instant Pot, set to high pressure for 2 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes.
- Stir and serve: Mix ingredients together before serving.
Notes
- Use low sodium stock for reduced salt content.
- Adjust cook time for desired potato consistency.
- Choose nitrate-free, lower sodium sausage for a healthier option.
- Leftovers store well for up to 4 days but do not freeze.
- Opt for fresh green beans if preferred over canned.
- Speed up prep by layering ingredients directly in the Instant Pot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 685mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 63mg
