If you need an easy, throw-it-all-in dinner that tastes like comfort in a bowl, this is it. Crockpot Ranch Lil Smokies are smoky, buttery, and full of flavor. The potatoes get tender, the green beans soak up all that ranch seasoning, and the little smokies make it hearty and filling. You literally dump everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing. That’s my kind of meal.
This recipe makes 6 servings and takes about 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH in the crockpot.
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made this, I had almost nothing planned for dinner. I had a pack of lil smokies in the fridge, a bag of potatoes, and some green beans. I tossed it all in the crockpot with ranch seasoning and butter and hoped for the best. A few hours later, the house smelled amazing. It turned into one of those meals everyone goes back for seconds.
Here’s why I keep making it:
- It’s a true dump-and-go meal
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients
- Feeds a crowd without much effort
- The ranch and butter make everything rich and flavorful
- It tastes even better the next day
What You’ll Need
- 2 (14-ounce) packages lil smokies (about 28 ounces total)
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups cubed)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
Tools You’ll Need
- Black oval crockpot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Large spoon for stirring
Crockpot Ranch Lil Smokies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Wash and cut 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups). Try to keep them close to the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Crockpot
Place 2 packages (28 ounces) lil smokies in the black oval crockpot. Add the 4 cups cubed raw potatoes and 2 drained cans (30 ounces total) cut green beans. Sprinkle 1 packet ranch seasoning mix, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika evenly over the top. Place 1/2 cup sliced butter evenly across everything.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the potatoes are fork tender and the butter is fully melted.
Step 4: Stir and Serve
Stir everything well so the melted butter and seasoning coat all the potatoes, green beans, and lil smokies evenly. Serve hot in a round bowl.
Pro Tips
- Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same speed.
- Don’t skip draining the green beans or the dish can get watery.
- If you like crispy edges, you can broil a serving for 3–4 minutes after cooking.
- Stir once halfway through cooking if you’re home, but it’s not required.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use fresh green beans instead of canned (trimmed and cut).
- Swap baby potatoes for red potatoes or Yukon gold.
- Add sliced onion for extra flavor.
- Use turkey lil smokies if you prefer.
- Add shredded cheddar on top before serving.
Make Ahead Tips
You can cut the potatoes the night before and store them in cold water in the fridge. Drain well before adding to the crockpot. You can also assemble everything in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking the next day.
Macros Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The slow cooking breaks down the potatoes slowly, making them soft without falling apart. The butter melts and mixes with the ranch seasoning, creating a rich coating that sticks to the smokies and vegetables. Because everything cooks together, the flavors blend into one savory dish.
Common Mistakes
- Cutting potatoes too large, which makes them cook slower.
- Not draining green beans, leading to excess liquid.
- Cooking on HIGH too long, which can make potatoes mushy.
- Not seasoning enough—taste and adjust before serving.
What to Serve With
- Warm dinner rolls
- Simple side salad
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread
- Steamed rice
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan on the stove until warmed through. You can freeze it, but the potatoes may be softer after thawing.
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes. No need to thaw first. Just add them in frozen.
Do I need to brown the lil smokies first?
Nope. They cook perfectly in the crockpot.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, if your crockpot is large enough. Don’t overfill past 3/4 full.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use a dairy-free butter substitute.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Ranch Lil Smokies recipe is simple, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those meals you can count on when you don’t want to think too hard about dinner. Toss it in, let it cook, and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl at the end of the day.
If you make it, come back and tell me how it turned out. I’d love to hear what you added or changed to make it your own.