Today I’ll walk you through how to make delicious Southern-style green beans with smoked turkey in your slow cooker, prepared using green beans, smoked turkey, minced garlic, onions, and stewed tomatoes.

To make Green Beans with Smoked Turkey in your slow cooker or crockpot, simply layer the ingredients, cover with broth, and let it cook on low for about 6 hours.

Tender green beans and smoked turkey are cooked slowly in a rich, savory broth, creating the perfect side dish for holidays and traditional Southern dinners!

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Slow Cooker Green Beans With Smoked Turkey Ingredients

• 1 lb of frozen green beans
• 1 lb of smoked turkey leg or wing
• 6-8 cups of water (enough to cover the turkey in the slow cooker)
• 2 tsp of minced garlic
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 14 oz can of stewed tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups of broth (reserved from cooking the smoked turkey)

How To Make Slow Cooker Green Beans With Smoked Turkey

1. Prep the Turkey: Place the smoked turkey into your slow cooker. Add enough water to completely cover the turkey—typically about 6-8 cups.
2. Cook the Turkey: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for about 4 hours. You’re looking for the turkey to be tender and falling off the bone.
3. Handle the Broth: Once the turkey is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Reserve 4 cups of the broth and set it aside. This broth is packed with flavor, perfect for cooking green beans.
4. Shred the Turkey: Remove the turkey meat from the bones. Shred it into bite-sized pieces, discarding all the bones. Watch out for those sneaky small ones!
5. Mix the Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add the green beans, chopped onions, minced garlic, and stewed tomatoes. Toss in the shredded turkey.
6. Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in the freshly ground black pepper and add a pinch of salt if needed. Pour the reserved broth over the mix. Give everything a good stir to combine.
7. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for another 2 hours. This will meld all the flavors together and ensure the green beans are beautifully tender.
8. Ready to Serve: Once everything is beautifully cooked and the aroma is tempting you, it’s safe to dish out. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!

Can I Use Fresh Green Beans Instead of Frozen?

Absolutely, you can swap out frozen for fresh green beans in the Green Beans with Smoked Turkey in Slow Cooker recipe. Just remember, fresh beans might cook a bit quicker, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t turn mushy.

Recipe Tips

• Boost Flavor with Herbs: To enhance the flavor of your Green Beans with Smoked Turkey in Slow Cooker, consider adding a bouquet garni of rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves at the beginning of cooking.
• Adjust Liquid Levels: Depending on your preference for the thickness of the sauce, you may adjust the amount of broth. For a thicker sauce, reduce the broth by a cup; for a more soup-like consistency, add an extra cup.
• Turkey Alternatives: If smoked turkey isn’t your thing or you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute it with smoked chicken or even smoked tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Spice It Up: For those who appreciate a bit of heat, adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper will give a nice kick to your Green Beans with Smoked Turkey.

Recipe Variations

• Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking to transform your Green Beans with Smoked Turkey into a creamy, comforting dish.
• Go Mediterranean: Add a Mediterranean twist by including olives, sundried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese just before serving; this variation brings a fresh, tangy flavor to the traditional recipe.
• Add a Crunch: To add a textural contrast, top the cooked green beans and turkey with toasted slivered almonds or breadcrumbs browned in butter for a delightful crunch.
• Sweeten the Deal: Introduce a slight sweetness by adding a few tablespoons of maple syrup or honey into the mix, which complements the smokiness of the turkey beautifully.

What To Serve With Green Beans With Smoked Turkey

Serve your Green Beans with Smoked Turkey alongside Chicken Pesto Pasta, a vibrant beetroot and orange salad, or a fresh arugula and pear salad.

Add some Rosemary Bread and a rich mushroom risotto for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a chilled fennel slaw or a zesty lemon quinoa.

How To Store Leftover Green Beans With Smoked Turkey

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Green Beans with Smoked Turkey in an airtight container; they will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. Ensure the container is sealed well to maintain the flavors and prevent any drying out.

In The Freezer:

This dish does not freeze well due to the texture of green beans which can become very mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so prioritize consuming it within the refrigerator’s time frame.

How To Reheat Leftover Green Beans With Smoked Turkey

Reheat your leftover Green Beans with Smoked Turkey by placing them in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist and cover to heat through for about 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Cheesy Bacon Corn Cob Loaf In Slow Cooker
• Slow Cooker Bacon And Onion Pudding
• Orange-cardamom Slow Cooker Carrots