15-Bean Smoked Turkey Soup (Printable Version)

Slow-cooked blend of 15 beans with smoked turkey and seasoned vegetables for a comforting meal.

# 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 & Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1 teaspoon paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjusted to taste
16 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

# Steps:

01 - Rinse and sort the 15-bean mixture under cold water, discarding any debris or discolored beans. Soaking overnight is optional but will yield a creamier texture.
02 - Transfer beans, smoked turkey, diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, minced garlic, and undrained canned tomatoes to a 6-quart slow cooker.
03 - Pour in chicken broth and water. Add thyme, paprika, black pepper, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
04 - Cover and cook on LOW setting for 8 hours until beans are tender and turkey meat easily separates from bone.
05 - Remove turkey pieces from soup. Discard skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded turkey to the pot.
06 - Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove bay leaf. Serve hot, optionally mashing some beans for a thicker consistency.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that rewards you with rich, complex flavors after the crockpot does all the heavy lifting.
  • One pot feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day, making it a lifesaver for meal prep or unexpected guests.
  • The combination of smoked turkey and a rainbow of beans creates natural depth without any fussy technique or special skills.
02 -
  • Don't skip the rinsing and sorting step with the bean mix—I've bitten down on a tiny stone before and it's not an experience I recommend to anyone.
  • Season at the very end, not at the beginning, because the soup reduces slightly and the flavors intensify as the beans break down and release their starches.
03 -
  • If your smoked turkey pieces are massive, cut them into smaller chunks before adding to the crockpot so they cook more evenly and are easier to shred later.
  • Taste the broth you're using before it goes in the pot—some brands are saltier than others, and knowing that upfront keeps you from oversalting the final soup.
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