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Slow Cooker Green Beans, Potatoes and Smoked Turkey – Easy Southern Comfort Food
This Slow Cooker Green Beans, Potatoes and Smoked Turkey recipe is a hearty, flavorful comfort-food dinner made with tender green beans, buttery potatoes, savory smoked turkey, and delicious homemade broth.
Inspired by traditional Southern green beans and potatoes, this easy slow cooker recipe brings together simple ingredients that develop wonderful flavor as they cook slowly.
The smoked turkey adds a rich, smoky taste, while the potatoes absorb the seasoned broth and the green beans become perfectly tender. It's a satisfying one-pot meal that's ideal for busy weekdays, Sunday dinners, and family gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Recipe
- Easy one-pot meal: Everything cooks together in the slow cooker.
- Rich smoky flavor: Smoked turkey seasons the vegetables naturally.
- Tender potatoes: Perfectly cooked potatoes absorb the flavorful broth.
- Simple ingredients: Made with affordable everyday ingredients.
- Perfect for family dinners: A hearty meal that serves six people.
- Minimal preparation: Let the slow cooker handle most of the work.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on LOW
Total Time: Approximately 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Dish, Dinner
Cuisine: Southern American-Inspired
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Green Beans, Potatoes and Smoked Turkey
- 1½ pounds smoked turkey wings or smoked turkey drumsticks, fully cooked
- 1½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1½ pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into large chunks
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, optional
How to Make Slow Cooker Green Beans, Potatoes and Smoked Turkey
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim off the tough stem ends.
Cut the beans into approximately 2-inch pieces.
Wash the potatoes and cut them into large, evenly sized chunks. Peel them if preferred.
Step 2: Prepare the Onion and Garlic
Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic.
For additional flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes
Arrange the potato chunks across the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Keeping the potatoes near the bottom helps them cook evenly in the hot broth.
Step 4: Add the Green Beans
Spread the trimmed green beans evenly over the potatoes.
Add the cooked onion and garlic mixture.
Step 5: Add the Smoked Turkey
Place the fully cooked smoked turkey wings or drumsticks over the vegetables.
As the ingredients cook, the turkey will release its smoky flavor into the broth.
Step 6: Prepare the Seasoned Broth
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, dried thyme, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
Stir until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 7: Add the Broth and Butter
Pour the seasoned broth over the vegetables and smoked turkey.
Place the butter on top.
The vegetables do not need to be completely submerged because they will release additional moisture during cooking.
Step 8: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
The potatoes should be fork-tender, the green beans soft, and the smoked turkey thoroughly heated.
Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the ingredients.
Step 9: Remove and Prepare the Turkey
Carefully transfer the smoked turkey to a cutting board.
Allow it to cool slightly, then remove the meat from the bones.
Discard the bones, cartilage, and unwanted skin.
Step 10: Return the Meat
Cut or shred the smoked turkey into bite-sized pieces.
Return the meat to the slow cooker and gently stir it into the green beans, potatoes, and broth.
Step 11: Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the cooking liquid and add salt if needed.
For a brighter flavor, stir in one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar just before serving.
Step 12: Serve Warm
Spoon the green beans, potatoes, and smoked turkey into serving bowls.
Add a little of the flavorful cooking broth over each portion.
Serve hot with cornbread, dinner rolls, or your favorite Southern-style side dishes.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Green Beans and Potatoes
- Use fully cooked smoked turkey: It adds rich flavor with minimal preparation.
- Choose firm potatoes: Yukon Gold and red potatoes hold their shape well.
- Cut evenly: Similar-sized potato pieces cook more consistently.
- Don't oversalt: Smoked turkey and broth may already contain sodium.
- Cook on LOW: Gentle cooking allows the flavors to develop.
- Remove the bones: Carefully debone the turkey before serving.
- Save the broth: The seasoned cooking liquid is delicious spooned over the vegetables.
Delicious Recipe Variations
Smoked Chicken and Green Beans
Replace the smoked turkey with fully cooked smoked chicken for a delicious alternative.
Spicy Southern Green Beans
Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slightly spicy flavor.
Garlic Butter Green Beans and Potatoes
Increase the garlic to five cloves and add another tablespoon of butter for a richer garlic flavor.
Green Beans with Carrots
Add two large carrots cut into thick pieces for extra color and natural sweetness.
Herb-Roasted Flavor
Add fresh rosemary and thyme during the final hour of cooking for a stronger herbal aroma.
What to Serve with Green Beans, Potatoes and Smoked Turkey
This hearty slow cooker dish can be enjoyed as a complete meal or paired with classic comfort-food sides.
- Warm homemade cornbread
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Soft dinner rolls
- Steamed white rice
- Fresh garden salad
- Roasted carrots
- Southern-style coleslaw
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerator Storage
Allow the dish to cool slightly, then transfer the turkey, potatoes, green beans, and broth into shallow airtight containers.
Refrigerate within two hours and store for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer Storage
Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
Keep in mind that potatoes may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat leftovers in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of chicken broth if necessary.
Heat until the turkey and vegetables reach 165°F (74°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes. Frozen green beans work well, although they may become softer than fresh beans during long cooking.
What potatoes work best in a slow cooker?
Yukon Gold and red potatoes are excellent choices because they hold their shape better than many starchy varieties.
Can I make this recipe without smoked turkey?
Absolutely. You can use cooked chicken or prepare a vegetable version with additional broth and seasonings.
Do I need to cook the smoked turkey first?
This recipe uses fully cooked smoked turkey. If your turkey is not fully cooked, follow its package instructions and ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Why are my potatoes still firm?
The potato pieces may be too large or need more cooking time. Continue cooking until they are easily pierced with a fork.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Wash and cut the vegetables in advance, refrigerate them safely, and assemble the slow cooker when ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Green Beans, Potatoes and Smoked Turkey recipe brings together tender vegetables, flavorful smoked meat, and a rich homemade broth in one comforting meal.
With simple ingredients and minimal hands-on preparation, it's perfect for family dinners, Sunday gatherings, and busy weeknights.
Serve it warm with homemade cornbread or soft dinner rolls for a delicious Southern-inspired dinner full of comforting flavor.