Made with only 6 ingredients and in 15 minutes, this recipe for Instant Pot Smoked Sausage with Potatoes is the definition of a fast family dinner! While the ingredients are humble, the results are pure comfort! Between the soft, flavorful potatoes, the spicy, hearty sausage, and the super tender green beans–this one pot meal may be simple but the results are anything but bland and boring!
This recipe for Kielbasa and Potatoes is a hearty, economical, kid-friendly meal. It is ready in record time thanks to the Instant Pot, making it perfect for those really busy nights!
This recipe for Instant Pot Kielbasa and Potatoes was inspired by my childhood.
I grew up in an area with a lot of Polish influence, and so there was a lot of kielbasa, or polish smoked sausage, used in recipes. My grandparents would make a simple dish using kielbasa, potatoes, and green beans. It was simmered for hours on the stove or in the slow cooker, until the potatoes and green beans were super soft and absorbed all the rich flavor from the sausage.
I took that recipe and sped up the process. Now in less than 20 minutes, the magic of the Instant Pot delivers this Polish comfort food.
It is rich, creamy, flavorful and so incredibly easy to make.
Key Ingredients
This recipe is made with humble ingredients, but there are a few things to note about each ingredient.
- Kielbasa: Kielbasa is polish smoked sausage. You can use any smoked sausage you like. I use an organic beef smoked sausage that is free from nitrates, preservatives, and MSG. However, you can use any variety of smoked sausage you like.
- Potatoes: Russet, red, or Yukon Gold potatoes can be used. There is no need to peel the potatoes. Simply scrub and chop into 1.5-2 inch cubes.
- Green Beans: My grandparents used canned green beans for this recipe, and so that is what I use. It keeps this recipe super simple to make. Plus that means there is no cleaning and chopping of fresh green beans which is a huge time saver. But feel free to use fresh trimmed green beans in place of the canned beans.
- Chicken Stock: I used homemade chicken stock as my liquid of choice for cooking this instant pot recipe. You can use store bought stock or water, but stock will add more flavor to the completed dish.
- Cajun Seasoning: I find that a Cajun blend of spices adds just the right flavor to potatoes and pairs well with the smoked sausage. I use homemade Cajun seasoning, but you can use your favorite store bought brand or seasoned salt in it’s place.
- Onions: The onions are totally optional, but do add a bit of flavor to this dish. Feel free to omit.
How to Make Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Potatoes
- Turn the Instant Pot to saute and let heat up for a minute or two.
- Add in a teaspoon of oil and the kielbasa and minced onion. Saute for 2-3 minutes or until the sausage begins to get crispy and browned and the onion softens.
- Add in the stock and scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot.
- Layer potatoes, Cajun seasoning, and drained green beans on top of sausage.
- Close the pressure cooker and be sure vent knob is sealed.
- Set cook time for 2 minutes on high pressure. Note: If you want your potatoes JUST fork tender, but still somewhat firm, set cook time for only 1 minute.
- Let pressure release naturally for at least 5 minutes before doing a quick release of pressure.
- Open up the pressure cooker, give everything a stir and serve.
This is a really easy and fast recipe, but if you if you are really in a time crunch, I suggest skipping sauteing the sausage. I love the crispy texture the sauteing adds to this dish, but it is completely not necessary.
More Instant Pot Comfort Food Recipes
- Instant Pot Beef Stew
- Instant Pot Pot Roast
- Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
- Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Potatoes with Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced onion optional
- 1 pound smoked sausage sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 cup chicken stock see note
- 2 pounds potatoes cubed
- 32 ounces canned green beans drained
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Turn Instant Pot to saute and allow to heat up for a minute or two.
- Add in olive oil, sausage, and the minced onion. Saute for 2-3 minutes, or until the sausage begins to be brown and the onions soften. Turn the Instant Pot OFF.
- Add in the stock and scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot.
- Add in potatoes on top of the sausage and sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning. Add drained green beans on top of sausage.
- Close the Instant Pot and seal the vent knob to sealed.
- Hit manual or pressure cook and adjust cook time to 2 minutes on HIGH pressure. For the Ultra model, hit Ultra, then adjust to high pressure and then adjust to cook for 2 minutes.
- Once cook time has elapsed, let pressure release naturally for at least 5 minutes. Then do a quick release of pressure by hitting the vent knob from sealed to venting, being careful to stand away from the steam being released. You can also let pressure release naturally.
- Stir together the ingredients and serve.
Equipment Needed
Notes
- Chicken Stock: Use 1 cup stock for a 6 quart Instant Pot and 1.5 cups stock for an 8 quart Instant Pot. You can also use water in a pinch.
- Cook Time: 2 minute cook time will cook the potatoes to a creamy, soft consistency. If you want your potatoes JUST fork tender, but still somewhat firm, set cook time for only 1 minute.
- Smoked Sausage: Use any type of precooked smoked sausage or kielbasa you like. I look for an organic variety that is nitrate free, MSG free, preservative free and lower in sodium. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage to cut the amount of fat significantly.
- Cajun Seasoning can be replaced with seasoned salt, or 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container. This recipe does not freeze well.
- Sodium Content: To control the level of sodium, use low sodium stock, rinse canned green beans or use no salt added canned beans, and omit the salt or cut in half the amount of salt in the homemade Cajun seasoning.
- By all means, use fresh trimmed green beans in place of the canned beans if that is what you prefer.
Hi! I only have Italian sausage (not precooked), how would this effect timing? Thanks!
Hi Caitlin. I would first saute the sausage until browned. I would then turn off the instant pot, add the stock and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot. Add the potatoes, green beans and cook as directed. Enjoy!
So delicious! Doubled the potatoes and cooked for 5 mins. Made with Conecuh sausage.
I am so glad you enjoyed Lesley.
This was so tasty. Thank you.
I am glad you enjoyed Marla, thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
Hi! I’m using up some of what I have in the kitchen because of the quarantine. I have everything needed for this recipe ~ yay! And I added in a parsnip too 🙂
I am so glad you have everything you need! Be sure to chop your parsnip up into 1/2 inch cubes to cook through–but that will be a delicious addition.
How can something this simple and FAST be so delicious!?! I am…clearing throat…of a certain age. I have self socially contained myself and made a list of recipes to try. I stocked up on smoked meats, canned & frozen veggies. This certainly fit the bill. THANKS, Kristen!
This is one of those recipes that I am always surprised at how delicious it is. SO SO simple, so good! I am glad you enjoyed it as much as my family!
If using fresh green beans, would the cook time change?
I would keep cook time the same, unless using thin beans. Then change to 1 minute–just be sure to cut your potatoes smaller 🙂 Enjoy!
I cannot wait to make this with Conecuh Sausage, an Alabama made sausage that is perfect for Red Beans and Rice. This looks so good!!!!!!!
Oh, that is a new sausage for me, but sounds delicious! I hope you enjoy!
This was amazing annnnnnd my kids loved it!!!!! Bravo Bravo
I love hearing that. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review!
We loved this!!!!!!!!!
YAY! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Ellen!
Loved the idea of this Polish stew when I first read the recipe. I had some kielbasi in the freezer so I knew I was def trying this. It was so fast and easy that it seemed like no time before dinner was on the table. Loved the onion addition and used frozen green beans because that is what I had. It came out great!
Hi Linda! I am so glad you enjoyed so much! And great to know it worked will with frozen green beans–thanks for sharing.
I love that the entire meal can be made in one pot and so easily at that! Thanks for the recipe!
You are so welcome Jenn! Glad you enjoyed
As listed, how many servings does this make? We have 4-5 people depending on day. I like to have leftovers.
Hi Douglas! This makes 6 servings. You can add in more potatoes and beans to make it go a bit further if desired. I hope you enjoy.
Amazingly flavorful and so super easy to make! It is going to be a new staple to my weekly meal planning, especially because all the ingredients are easy to keep on hand without an extra trip to the store!
YAY! I am so glad you enjoyed so much Amanda. Thank you for letting me know!