15-Bean Smoked Turkey Soup

There's something deeply comforting about a pot of soup simmering slowly, filling your home with warmth and the promise of a nourishing meal. This 15-Bean Crockpot Soup with Smoked Turkey brings together the earthy richness of fifteen different beans, the smoky depth of tender turkey, and a medley of aromatic vegetables in one satisfying bowl. Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, this set-it-and-forget-it recipe transforms humble ingredients into a hearty dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—when really, your slow cooker did all the work.

Save

The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility and forgiving nature. The combination of fifteen different beans creates a complex texture and flavor profile, while the smoked turkey infuses every spoonful with a gentle smokiness that elevates the entire dish. As the soup cooks low and slow, the vegetables soften into tender bites, the beans become perfectly creamy, and the broth develops a rich, savory depth that's hard to resist. Whether you're feeding a crowd, preparing meals for the week ahead, or simply craving a bowl of something warm and wholesome, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients

• 1 (20 oz / 570 g) bag 15-bean soup mix, rinsed and sorted
• 1.5 lbs (680 g) smoked turkey wings or legs
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz / 410 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 8 cups (2 L) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste (add more at end if needed)
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Prepare wholesome dog meals by mixing with warm water for easy serving and homemade-style feeding.

Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the beans

Rinse and sort the beans, discarding any debris. No need to soak unless desired (see Notes).

Step 2: Layer ingredients in crockpot

Place the beans, smoked turkey, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and diced tomatoes in the crockpot.

Step 3: Add liquids and seasonings

Add chicken broth, water, thyme, paprika, black pepper, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to combine.

Step 4: Slow cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or until the beans are tender and the turkey is falling off the bone.

Step 5: Shred the turkey

Remove the smoked turkey pieces. Discard skin and bones; shred the meat and return it to the soup.

Step 6: Final seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a thicker, creamier consistency, use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to crush some of the beans against the side of the crockpot during the last hour of cooking. This releases their natural starches and creates a velvety texture throughout the broth. If you prefer to soak your beans overnight, you can reduce the cooking time slightly and achieve an even softer, more uniform texture. When selecting your smoked turkey, look for pieces with a good amount of meat on them—wings and drumsticks work beautifully and add incredible flavor as they cook. Remember that the soup will thicken as it cools, so if you're planning to store leftovers, you may want to keep some extra broth on hand to adjust the consistency when reheating.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the smoked turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth—consider adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke to maintain that signature smoky flavor. If you can't find smoked turkey, regular turkey, ham hocks, or even kielbasa make excellent substitutes. Want more vegetables? Diced bell peppers, chopped kale, or cubed sweet potatoes are all delicious additions. For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño with the other vegetables. You can also customize the bean mix itself—while the 15-bean blend is traditional, any dried bean combination will work beautifully with these seasonings and cooking method.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this hearty soup in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a beautiful presentation. A wedge of warm cornbread or a thick slice of crusty sourdough is the perfect companion for soaking up every last drop of flavorful broth. For a complete meal, consider offering a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top (if dairy is not a concern), along with sliced green onions and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to five days or frozen in individual portions for quick, satisfying meals whenever you need them.

Save

This 15-Bean Crockpot Soup with Smoked Turkey is more than just a recipe—it's a reliable friend on busy days, a warm embrace on cold evenings, and a reminder that the simplest ingredients, given time and care, can create something truly special. With its rich nutritional profile, comforting flavors, and effortless preparation, this soup deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Make a big batch, share with loved ones, and enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Keeps spoons and utensils off counters while cooking, catching drips and keeping your stovetop clean.

Check price on Amazon

Recipe Help & Answers

→ Can I soak the beans before cooking?

Yes, soaking the beans overnight can shorten cooking time and yield a creamier texture, though it's not required.

→ What can I use instead of smoked turkey?

Substitute with smoked ham hocks or turkey sausage for a similar smoky depth and savory flavor.

→ How do I thicken the soup if desired?

Mash some of the cooked beans with a spoon into the broth to naturally thicken and enrich the texture.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace the meat with vegetable broth and add extra vegetables or smoked seasonings for depth.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh salad complement the hearty flavors and create a balanced meal.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.