Southern Soul Food Green Beans
This classic southern soul food green beans with smoked turkey is packed with deep, smoky turkey flavor, perfectly tender green beans, and just the right touch of seasoning. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make side dish that brings a little taste of soul food to any meal. Perfect for Thanksgiving.
Soul Food Green Beans with Smoked Turkey: A Family-Favorite Recipe
Last Thanksgiving, one dish completely stole the show for me—my brother’s southern soul food green beans with smoked turkey. It was simple but so so good! I couldn’t stop myself from stuffing my face and thinking, “Wow, this is GOOD!” The flavor was perfect. I knew right then that I had to make it myself this year.
Consulting the Master Chef (a.k.a., My Brother)
When I decided to recreate these soul food green beans for my Thanksgiving table, I went straight to the source. My little brother can cook! He has the magic touch that just makes everything he makes taste A-MA-ZING! So I asked him, expecting some elaborate instructions, but instead, he gave me the most straightforward recipe. Just a few ingredients, some basic steps, aaaaand minimal seasoning. Sometimes, simple is all you need to make a dish taste like a million bucks!
The Key Ingredients
This dish is already packed with smoky meat flavor, thanks to the smoked turkey legs, therefore you don’t need a lot of seasonings and salt. Each ingredient has a purpose so don’t skimp on the ingredients, and they work together beautifully to create a soul food classic:
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- Smoked Turkey I used smoked turkey legs since that’s what my store had, but you can use whatever type you like. Smoked turkey necks, turkey wings, or legs all work great here. The smoked turkey infuses the green beans and vegetables with a rich, smoky flavor that makes the whole pot taste amazing. Once tender, the meat is shredded and mixed back in, giving every bite a bit of that delicious, slow-cooked taste.
- Chicken Broth: Adding just enough liquid to cook the turkey and green beans while keeping them moist but not too soupy. Chicken broth adds extra flavor, but water works too if you want a lighter taste.
- Green Beans: I initially used French green beans for the first time in this recipe, but I probably won’t use them again unless I’m cooking something quick, like a green bean stir-fry. French green beans are more delicate and cook faster, so they’re better suited for dishes that don’t require long cooking times. For this recipe, regular green beans are the way to go. They’re sturdier, hold up better during the longer cooking process, and really soak up all the flavors. If you can find regular green beans, I highly recommend using them!
- Onion: This brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish, softening as it cooks down with the turkey to create a perfect flavor base. Onion is a must for that cozy, savory aroma.
- Garlic: A bit of minced garlic adds warmth and enhances the savory flavor of the smoked turkey. It’s subtle, but you’d miss it if it weren’t there.
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds a hint of sweetness and freshness, which balances out the smoky and savory elements in the dish. The bell pepper also adds some texture and color.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a little kick! If you like a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes add a nice background spice that doesn’t overpower but gives the dish some personality.
- Onion Powder: Adds a concentrated onion flavor that boosts the depth of the dish and complements the fresh chopped onion for that perfect savory balance.
- Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor from the turkey and adds a bit of color. The smoked paprika is subtle but works magic in this recipe.
- Sugar: Just a hint of sweetness balances out the savory and smoky flavors without making it too sweet. This small touch ties everything together and gives the green beans and turkey a well-rounded flavor.
- Red Wine Vinegar: This is the secret ingredient. A dash of vinegar right at the end brightens everything up and enhances all the flavors. It adds a slight tanginess that rounds out the richness of the turkey and beans.
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of each ingredient. Adjust to taste as you go, especially since smoked turkey can be quite salty.
- Butter: You know that saying “butter makes everything better.” Butter is added at the end for a silky, rich finish that brings everything together.
How to Make Soul Food Green Beans with Smoked Turkey
There’s not much to this soul food green beans recipe—it’s simple, forgiving, and hard to mess up. As I mentioned earlier, I initially used French green beans (shown in the process shots below) but later remade the recipe with regular green beans (pictured above).
You can easily spot the difference: French green beans are more delicate and “wimpy,” while regular green beans are sturdier and hold up better during cooking. That said, the flavor of both was absolutely perfect, so no shade to French green beans. They were still delicious!
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey and Vegetables: Start by placing the smoked turkey legs, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Season with salt/black pepper and smoked paprika, and add chicken broth to just barely cover everything. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and let it all simmer.
after about 2 hours the meat will fall of the bone.
- Cook beans & smoked turkey: Add the greens beans to the pot. Shred the smoked turkey, discarding the bones. It’s a good idea to not over shred though because you’ll want some chunky pieces of turkey.
- Cook the Green Beans and Turkey: Add the turkey to the pot with the green beans. Add the red wine vinegar, onion/garlic powder and sugar, adjusting the salt and pepper as needed. Cook until the green beans are tender about an hour or so, or until they green beans have broken down a good amount, allowing them to soak up all the rich, smoky flavors.
- Finish and serve: Then, add a small dab of butter for rich flavor and mix to combine. Adjust seasonings to your liking and serve hot. Enjoy!
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Thanksgiving
This dish is everything I want on my holiday table—full of flavor, easy to prepare, and a side that makes everyone want seconds (or thirds!). Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option. The longer these green beans sit, the more the flavors marinate and develop, so if you can, try to make it a day ahead of time and thank me later! This way, you’ll have even richer, deeper flavors that everyone will rave about.
This Thanksgiving, I’m excited to bring this savory green bean recipe to the table and share a little family tradition with everyone. I hope it becomes one of those dishes you and your family look forward to, too!
How to Reheat Green Beans with Smoked Meat
If you have leftovers, green beans with smoked meat can be easily reheated on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave. Here’s how to do it:
Stovetop Reheating
- Place the green beans and smoked turkey in a pot or saucepan.
- This step may not be necessary but if you don’t have much broth from the green beans left, add a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist, and cover with a lid.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Oven Reheating
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the green beans and smoked turkey in an oven-safe dish, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
- Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave Reheating
- Place a portion of the green beans and smoked turkey in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a small splash of water or broth to keep it moist, and cover the dish loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leave a small corner open for steam to escape).
- Microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each minute, until heated through (usually about 2-3 minutes). Be cautious when removing the cover, as steam can be very hot
delicious sides and desserts Perfect with Soul food Green Beans.
Southern Cornbread: Perfectly moist and slightly sweet, this classic cornbread pairs beautifully with soul food dishes.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich, buttery, and smooth, these mashed potatoes are a comforting addition to your meal.
Candied Yams: Sweet, buttery, and perfectly spiced, these candied yams are a must-have side.
Dressing: Fluffy, flavorful, and packed with herbs, this stuffing is a holiday classic.
Cranberry Sauce: A tangy, sweet, and vibrant sauce that’s the perfect complement to any soul food feast.
Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey: Another Southern staple made with smoked turkey for a rich, savory flavor.
Sweet Potato Casserole: A perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, ideal for holiday gatherings.
For another take on green beans, try my Asian-Style Green Beans for a savory twist with bold flavors.
Desserts to finish the meal: You can’t go wrong with my Sweet Potato Pie, Pumpkin Pie, or Peach Cobbler to round out your feast with something sweet!
I hope you enjoy making these Southern green beans with smoked turkey as much as I do! If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your feedback! Don’t forget to pair it with some of my other Southern-inspired sides for the ultimate soul food spread!
Southern Soul Food Green Beans with Smoked Turkey
Equipment
- 1 Dutch Oven For this recipe, you’ll need a large pot 5 quarts or bigger works best. In the video, I used a smaller pot, but I recommend sticking with a 5-quart or larger size. I’ve linked a similar brand for convenience.
- Carmel Ceramic Pasta Bowl with Ridges by Gaby Dalkin Crate and Barrel
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 whole turkey legs or any type of smoked turkey meat
- 1 tbsp garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 green bell pepper diced
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- 2 lb green beans
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp vinegar Adjust to your preference…I used red wine but white works fine too
- 1-2 tsp granulated sugar *optional but helps to balance out the flavors. It doesn't make the dish sweet.
- salt and pepper for taste
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter *optional see notes below
Instructions
- To a large pot or dutch oven, place the smoked turkey legs, chopped onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and red pepper flakes. Season with black pepper and salt. Add chicken broth—just enough to barely cover the turkey and vegetables.
- Simmer the Turkey and Vegetables: Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 to 2 hours, or until the turkey is tender and the meat begins to fall off the bone.
- Shred the Turkey: Remove the turkey legs from the pot, leaving the cooking liquid and vegetables in the pot. Shred the turkey meat from the bones and return it to the pot, discarding the bones.
- Cook the Green Beans: Add the green beans to the pot. Cover and cook on low for 45 minutes, or until the beans are tender but not overcooked.
- Season and Finish: Stir in the red wine vinegar, garlic, onion/garlic powder, sugar salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt/pepper, vinegar, sugar garlic etc… Let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
Video
Notes
Southern Green Beans with Turkey Recipe Pro-Tips
- Green Beans: To be transparent, I first made this dish with French green beans (shown in the process shots and video) but later remade it with regular green beans (pictured above). Regular green beans are sturdier and hold up better during cooking, which is why I recommend them. That said, both versions were delicious—no shade to French green beans!
- Cooking Time: The smoked turkey takes 1-3 hours to become tender. Once it’s ready, cook the beans for 20-45 minutes, depending on your preferred texture. For firmer beans, go for 20 minutes; for very tender beans, like I prefer, cook closer to 45 minutes to fully absorb the broth’s flavors.
- Smoked Turkey: You can use any type of smoked turkey meat for this recipe, such as turkey wings, turkey necks, or turkey legs. Choose your favorite or use what’s available at your store for that smoky, savory flavor.
- Vinegar: If you’re not a fan of vinegar, you can reduce the amount or leave it out altogether. However, the vinegar adds a bright, tangy note that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Sugar: The sugar doesn’t make the dish sweet; it simply balances the savory flavors. If you feel it’s not needed, you can leave it out and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Seasonings: Once the dish is finished, taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. This ensures the flavors are perfectly balanced to suit your taste.
- Butter: A tablespoon of butter adds a rich, velvety finish to the dish that really takes it up a notch. It enhances the flavors, giving the green beans a delicious amazing flavor that ties everything together.
