Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Sausage and Beans
Just 4 ingredients and a slow cooker — this is the easiest dinner you’ll make all week. If you need a dinner that practically makes itself…

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Ingredients
Instructions
- Add everything to the slow cooker. Place the sliced sausage, baked beans, kidney beans, and barbecue sauce into the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine. Gently stir everything together until evenly mixed.
- Cook. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring once or twice if possible, until the sausage is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve. Serve hot on its own, or over rice, alongside cornbread, or with a simple side salad.
Just 4 ingredients and a slow cooker — this is the easiest dinner you’ll make all week.
If you need a dinner that practically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Sausage and Beans recipe is it. Smoky sausage, hearty beans, and a rich, savory sauce all slow-cook together into a comforting meal with almost no prep work — just 4 ingredients, and the slow cooker does the rest.
Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or anytime you want a filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 ingredients — minimal grocery list, maximum flavor
- Hands-off cooking — load it up and walk away
- Budget-friendly — simple, affordable ingredients that stretch far
- Great for meal prep — reheats well for lunches throughout the week
Ingredients
- 2 pounds smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Add everything to the slow cooker. Place the sliced sausage, baked beans, kidney beans, and barbecue sauce into the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine. Gently stir everything together until evenly mixed.
- Cook. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring once or twice if possible, until the sausage is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve. Serve hot on its own, or over rice, alongside cornbread, or with a simple side salad.
You Might Also Like
- Slow Cooker Onion Butter Potatoes
- Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
- Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Tips for Success
- Use your favorite smoked sausage variety — kielbasa, andouille, or turkey sausage all work great.
- For extra flavor, sear the sausage slices in a hot pan for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, once the flavors have had more time to blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them separately first, as dried beans need longer cook times than this recipe allows.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes — simmer everything together in a large pot over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating.
What can I serve with this?
Cornbread, steamed rice, or a simple green salad all pair perfectly.
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