Slow Cooker Swamp Potatoes
Tender, smoky, and loaded with flavor—slow cooker swamp potatoes are my go-to side dish when I want something EASY and crazy comforting. These hearty, cheesy potatoes are slow-cooked with spices, onions, and bacon until everything melts together.
Perfect for a potluck, Sunday dinner, or just a lazy day treat. You can set it, forget it, and come back to a big scoop of YUM!
Why You’ll Love Swamp Potatoes
Want a dish that warms your soul and fills your belly? This one’s for YOU! It’s cozy, hearty, and crazy simple to whip up.
- Set it and forget it: Toss it in the pot, and walk away!
- Budget-friendly: Just a few simple ingredients!
- Flexible: You can swap things in and out.
- Perfect for busy days: Dinner practically makes itself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish comes together with just a few pantry staples. For exact amounts, peek at the recipe card below.
- Baby potatoes: I love how tender they get while soaking up all that flavor.
- Smoked sausage: Adds a smoky kick and hearty texture.
- Green beans: Use fresh, frozen, or canned—whatever you have works fine!
- Ranch seasoning: Brings that tangy, herby taste.
- Cajun seasoning: A little spice to wake up your taste buds.
- Beef broth: The base that makes everything rich and savory.
- Butter: Because buttery potatoes are pure heaven.
How to Make Swamp Potatoes?
This recipe is perfect when you want something warm and filling without a bunch of fuss. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Chop and slice: Cut 1 1/2 pounds of baby potatoes in half. Slice 14 ounces of smoked sausage and cut 3 cups of green beans into pieces.
Step 2: Layer It All In
Add to the slow cooker: Place the potatoes, sausage, and green beans into the cooker. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
Step 3: Pour In the Goodness
Add broth and butter: Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and dot the top with 4 tablespoons of butter for melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
Step 4: Cook It Slow
Let it simmer: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Potatoes should be fork-tender and buttery.
Tips for the Best Swamp Potatoes
This dish is super forgiving, but these tips take it over the top.
- Cut even potato sizes: So they cook evenly without getting mushy.
- Use fresh green beans: They add the best snap and texture.
- Don’t skip the butter: It brings that creamy richness we all love.
- Stir halfway through: Keeps the seasoning mixed and flavors balanced.
- Use low-sodium broth: Control your salt level and let the seasonings shine.
- Add hot sauce at the end: If you like a little extra kick, go for it!
Variations and Substitutions
Feel like mixing it up? Try these fun swaps:
- Swap sausage for chicken: Use cooked chunks of chicken breast or thighs.
- Add corn: Toss in a cup of frozen corn for a sweet crunch.
- Go vegetarian: Leave out the sausage and add mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Use extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
- Use Yukon golds: If baby potatoes aren’t available, these are a great backup.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can totally make this ahead of time. Just prep the potatoes, sausage, and green beans the night before. Store them in the fridge in a sealed container. When you’re ready, dump everything into your slow cooker and follow the recipe.
Leftovers? They’re even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to bring it back to life. Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat until warm and cozy.
Recipe FAQs
What kind of sausage works best?
Use smoked sausage, kielbasa, or andouille. These types add bold flavor and don’t fall apart during cooking. Choose what you love!
Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely! Add extra Cajun seasoning or a splash of hot sauce at the end. You can also toss in a few red pepper flakes.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Nope! I never peel baby potatoes. Their skins get nice and soft during cooking and add a bit of texture.
Can I use canned green beans?
You sure can. Just drain them first. They’ll be softer than fresh but still tasty.
How long do leftovers last?
They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just keep them in a sealed container and reheat as needed.
Can I freeze this meal?
Yes, it freezes great! Let it cool fully, then store in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
You can make your own with dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’s easy and still super flavorful!
What to serve with swamp potatoes?
This dish goes great with hearty main courses like baked chicken, meatloaf, grilled pork chops, or a juicy steak. Also, I love pairing with crusty bread, Cornbread Muffins, and Tuna Pasta Salad Without Mayo.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Sure! Use the slow cooker function or cook on pressure mode for 8 minutes, then quick release. The texture might be a little different.
Will kids eat this?
Absolutely! It’s mild, buttery, and full of things most kiddos already love, like sausage and potatoes.
Slow Cooker Swamp Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (halved)
- 14 ounces smoked sausage (sliced)
- 3 cups green beans (cut into 3-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prep your veggies and sausage: Slice sausage, halve potatoes, and cut green beans. Get everything ready to toss in the pot.
- Add to slow cooker: Place potatoes, sausage, and green beans into your slow cooker.
- Season generously: Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Mix gently.
- Pour in broth and butter: Add 2 cups of beef broth and dot the top with 4 tablespoons of butter.
- Cover and cook: Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir and serve: Give it a final stir, taste for seasoning, and dish it up warm!
Notes
- Ranch seasoning: Store-bought or homemade both work, but I love the brand Hidden Valley. I sometimes mix my own when I’m out!
- Cajun seasoning: I go with Frontier’s Cajun seasoning; it gives just the right amount of heat and bold flavor.
- Green beans: Fresh is best, but canned or frozen work just fine in a pinch.
- Sausage swaps: Chicken sausage or turkey sausage makes it lighter.
- Butter tip: Unsalted butter helps balance the saltiness from broth and sausage.
