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A close-up of cooked pinto beans mixed with shredded meat and herbs in a large orange pot shows a delicious pinto beans recipe, with a wooden spoon partially visible stirring the mixture.
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5 from 3 votes

Southern Style Pinto Beans with Smoked Turkey – A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Classic

When it comes to Southern comfort food, it doesn't get much better than a pot of Southern Style Pinto Beans with Smoked Turkey. This dish is a real winner, with tender beans simmered to perfection and infused with that smoky goodness from a well-seasoned turkey leg. It's the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and brings everyone to the table. Whether you're hosting a big family gathering or just looking to make a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time3 hours 10 minutes
Course: BBQ
Cuisine: Southern
Keyword: beans, pinto, Southern, style
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb dried pinto beans, rinsed and sorted
  • 1 large smoked turkey leg
  • 4 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cup water
  • 1 cup small diced celery
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Creole Kick seasoning (or your favorite Creole seasoning)

Instructions

  • Before you do anything, you’ll want to soak your beans overnight. Rinse your pinto beans and pick through them to remove any debris. Then, cover them with water and let them sit overnight. This will soften the beans and help reduce cooking time the next day. If you're pressed for time, you can quick-soak them by boiling them for 2 minutes and then letting them sit for 1 hour.
  • The next day, drain your soaked beans and set them aside. Grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot, and place your smoked turkey leg in there with 2 cups of water. Boil it over medium heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and starting to fall off the bone.
  • Once your turkey leg is nice and tender, it’s time to bring everything together. Add your soaked and drained pinto beans, chicken broth, diced celery, bay leaves, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and Creole Kick seasoning to the pot. Stir everything together to mix those flavors.
  • Cover your pot, lower the heat to medium-low, and let everything simmer. Cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the beans are soft and tender. Make sure to keep an eye on the liquid level—if the beans start to dry out, add more chicken broth or water as needed. The beans should be tender but not mushy, and the broth should be thick and flavorful.
  • Once your beans are tender, carefully remove the turkey leg from the pot. Use two forks to shred the turkey meat, discarding the bones. Add the shredded turkey back to the pot and give everything a good stir.
  • Now it’s time to taste! Adjust the seasonings as needed. Maybe a little more black pepper or an extra pinch of Creole Kick? It’s up to you. Once everything’s seasoned to your liking, you’re ready to serve.
  • Scoop those flavorful beans into a bowl, grab a slice of cornbread or some rice, and dig in! The smoky flavor from the turkey paired with the perfectly seasoned beans makes for an unforgettable meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 450kcal