Crockpot Green Beans are a perfect side dish that combines the flavors of tender green beans and smoked turkey tails. This easy recipe is ideal for busy days when you want a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Using your slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld together beautifully. Here’s how to make this mouthwatering dish with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Green Beans
- Minimal Effort: Prep the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the rest.
- Full of Flavor: The smoked turkey tails bring an irresistible smokiness, complemented by the spices and garlic.
- Tender & Savory: The long cooking time ensures the green beans are tender and the turkey meat falls off the bone.
Crockpot Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Tails
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 (12 oz) bags of fresh green beans, cleaned and cut in half
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth (more if needed)
- Nature’s Seasons seasoning
- Creole seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 smoked turkey tails
- 4 pads of butter
- Olive oil for sautéing
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Green Beans
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent. Halfway through, sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper to help bring out the flavors.
Once the onions are soft, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Be sure to remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Crockpot
In your crockpot, add the cleaned and cut green beans. Sprinkle in your Nature’s Seasons seasoning, Creole seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you like a little spice), paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the beans gently to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Next, add the sautéed onions and garlic mixture into the crockpot, ensuring everything is well combined.
3. Add the Smoked Turkey Tails
Place the smoked turkey tails on top of the green beans. These will infuse the beans with rich, smoky flavor as they cook. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, making sure that the liquid covers the green beans and turkey tails. You may need to adjust the amount of broth depending on the size of your crockpot, but aim to have enough to cover the contents.
4. Add Butter for Richness
Drop in the pads of butter. These will melt and blend into the dish, adding richness and flavor to the green beans.
5. Cook on High or Low
Put the lid on your crockpot and set it to cook:
- High for about 4 hours, or until the turkey meat is tender and falls off the bone.
- Low for about 5-6 hours, depending on your crockpot.
During cooking, the turkey tails will release their smoky flavor, making the green beans extra tasty.
6. Shred the Turkey Meat
Once the turkey tails are done, remove them from the crockpot. Carefully pull the meat from the bones and discard the bones. Return the shredded turkey meat to the crockpot and stir everything together.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Give the green beans a taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. The turkey meat should now be mixed in with the beans, and everything should be well seasoned.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Green Beans
- Add More Broth: If you prefer a more soupy texture, feel free to add extra chicken broth during cooking.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use Other Meats: Smoked ham hocks or bacon can be used as an alternative to turkey tails for a different flavor profile.
Why Use a Crockpot?
The slow cooker is perfect for dishes like this one, where ingredients need to cook low and slow to develop deep flavors. The crockpot also makes it easy to prepare meals ahead of time and enjoy a hot, home-cooked meal without much hands-on work. Set it in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-serve side dish.
Serving Suggestions
Crockpot Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Tails can be served as a standalone dish or paired with other meals. It’s especially great with:
- Roast Chicken: A simple, juicy roast chicken pairs perfectly with the smoky green beans.
- Mashed Potatoes: The savory green beans complement the creamy texture of mashed potatoes.
- Grilled Steak: For a more indulgent meal, serve these green beans alongside a grilled steak for a hearty dinner.
Crockpot Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Tails are a delicious, comforting side dish that will elevate any meal. The slow cooking process infuses the beans with smoky turkey flavor, making each bite a savory treat. Plus, the minimal prep work and hands-off cooking make this recipe a winner for busy weeknights or holiday dinners.
Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Try it today, and enjoy the rich, smoky flavors that only a crockpot can deliver!
