15-Bean with Smoked Turkey (Printable Version)

Hearty 15-bean medley slow-cooked with smoky turkey creating a comforting and flavorful main dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beans

01 - 1 (20 oz) bag 15-bean soup mix, rinsed and sorted

→ Meats

02 - 1.5 lbs smoked turkey wings or legs

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 large onion, diced
04 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
05 - 3 celery stalks, sliced
06 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

→ Liquids

08 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 2 cups water

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - 1 tsp smoked or sweet paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
13 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
16 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Rinse and sort the beans, discarding any debris. No need to soak unless desired.
02 - Place beans, smoked turkey, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and diced tomatoes in the crockpot.
03 - Add chicken broth, water, thyme, paprika, black pepper, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to combine.
04 - Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or until beans are tender and turkey is falling off the bone.
05 - Remove smoked turkey pieces, discard skin and bones, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It practically cooks itself while you go about your day, then rewards you with restaurant-quality depth.
  • One pot means one thing to clean, and the leftovers taste even better the next morning.
  • The smoky turkey gives you all the richness without needing cream or butter.
02 -
  • Don't skip the sorting step; even one small stone will remind you forever why it matters.
  • The soup thickens as it sits, so what seems a little brothy at hour eight becomes beautifully thick by morning.
03 -
  • Use a 6-quart or larger crockpot so the beans have room to soften without crowding.
  • Taste your broth before you use it; some brands are quite salty, which changes how much salt you'll need at the end.
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