These Crockpot green beans with smoked turkey tails are the ultimate Southern comfort food! Slow-cooked in a savory broth with onions, garlic, and spices, they’re tender, flavorful, and perfect as a side or served over rice or mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you grew up in the South, you know green beans and smoked turkey are a soul food classic. This slow cooker version makes it super easy—just set it and forget it. After a few hours, you’ll have tender green beans, rich smoky turkey, and a flavorful broth that pairs perfectly with rice or cornbread.

✨ Easy one-pot crockpot meal
✨ Packed with smoky, savory flavor
✨ Great for family dinners or holiday sides

🫛 Crockpot Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Tails

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Avocado oil – or olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 24 oz fresh green beans, cut & cleaned
• Seasonings: Sergio’s seasoning (or all-purpose), seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes
• 3–4 smoked turkey tails, rinsed & cleaned
• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water + Better Than Bouillon)
• 3 tbsp butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions with a sprinkle of seasoning. Cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Remove from heat.

2. Build the Crockpot Base

Add cleaned green beans to the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Add in the onions and garlic, then stir.

3. Add Smoked Turkey & Broth

Place turkey tails into the crockpot, pressing them down into the broth. Add butter on top.

4. Slow Cook

Cover and cook on High for 4 hours (or Low for 7–8 hours).

5. Shred Turkey & Finish

Remove turkey tails, shred the meat off the bones, and return it to the crockpot. Stir to combine.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Serve as a hearty side dish or over rice, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.

Tips & Variations

• Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Use smoked turkey wings or ham hocks if you prefer.
• Meal prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day.

Recipe Card

Crockpot Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Tails
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 4 hrs | Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 24 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
• 3–4 smoked turkey tails
• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon)
• 3 tbsp butter
• Seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, to taste
• Avocado oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions in avocado oil until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add green beans, seasonings, onions, and garlic to crockpot. Stir.
3. Add smoked turkey tails, chicken broth, and butter.
4. Cook on High 4 hours (or Low 7–8).
5. Shred turkey meat, return to crockpot, and stir.
6. Serve hot as a side or main dish.