15-Bean Smoked Turkey Soup (Printable)

Hearty blend of beans and smoked turkey slow-cooked for rich, comforting flavors and nourishment.

# What You 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 and 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 or damaged beans. Soaking overnight is optional but recommended for creamier texture and reduced cooking time.
02 - Place beans, smoked turkey, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and diced tomatoes into a 6-quart slow cooker.
03 - Pour chicken broth and water into the slow cooker. Add thyme, paprika, black pepper, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
04 - Cover and cook on LOW setting for 8 hours or until beans are tender and turkey meat separates easily from bone.
05 - Remove smoked turkey pieces from soup. Discard skin and bones, then shred the meat and return to the pot.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaf before serving. For thicker consistency, mash some beans with a spoon directly in the pot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Simple preparation with minimal hands-on time—just 20 minutes of prep before the slow cooker takes over
  • A complete protein-packed meal in one pot, featuring nutritious beans and lean smoked turkey
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, accommodating many dietary needs without sacrificing flavor
  • Makes generous servings that taste even better the next day, perfect for meal prep
  • Budget-friendly ingredients that deliver maximum comfort and satisfaction
02 -
  • Always rinse your bean mix thoroughly and pick through for any small stones or debris before cooking
  • Low-sodium broth gives you better control over the final seasoning—you can always add more salt, but you can't take it away
  • The soup will continue to thicken as it sits, so adjust consistency with additional broth or water when reheating
  • Don't skip removing the bay leaf before serving—while it adds wonderful flavor during cooking, it's not pleasant to bite into
  • For the best flavor development, make this soup a day ahead and let it rest overnight in the refrigerator
Go Back