My Best Pinto Beans recipe is Southern Style comfort food in a bowl. This dish is elevated to a new level by adding shredded turkey meat to the cooked pinto beans, which are cooked with a smoked turkey leg, adding a great depth of flavor.
Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. You can find important tips/tricks in theblog post.
This southern pinto beans recipe is always popular at home as it’s packed full of flavor. This simple side dish pairs well with a wide range of main courses and is a great addition to any meal.
But since this dish is adaptable, you could also serve it as a main course along with a side of fresh salad and my Classic Southern Cornbread.
The easiest thing about this recipe for pinto beans is how quick and simple it is to make. Hands on prep time is minimal, it is more of an assembly job. But after a few hours of simmering on the stove, you’re left with the most delectably flavorful bowl of beans.
Easy beans dishes like this one, are recipes we should all have in our repertoire. These are not only satisfying, wholesome, and tasty, but they also use basic, affordable ingredients, which makes them a budget-friendly meal choice.
Beans with smoked turkey are a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to follow and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. The smoked turkey adds a delicious depth of flavor to the beans, and the dish can be served as a side dish or a main course.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 1 large smoked turkey leg
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Rinse and sort the pinto beans.
- Add the beans, smoked turkey leg, chicken broth, water, bay leaves, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper to a large heavy-bottomed pot.
- Heat over medium-high heat until the beans start to boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until the beans are tender. This will take somewhere from 1.5-3 hours.
- Once the beans are tender, remove the drumstick from the pot and remove the turkey meat from the bone. Return the meat to the pot and stir.
- Serve and enjoy.
Tips:
- If adding salt, wait until the beans have finished cooking and you are able to taste the dish. The salt from the turkey leg and chicken broth can make the beans salty.
- If you choose to soak your beans overnight, the cooking time will be shorter.
- The longer you cook the beans, the softer they will be and the thicker the gravy.
- For a richer flavor, you can add some chopped vegetables like celery, carrot, bell pepper, onion, and garlic.
- You can also add some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley when you are cooking the beans.
- If you don’t have a smoked turkey leg, you can use some smoked ham or bacon instead.
- For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce.
- Once the beans are cooked, you can add a splash of vinegar for a tangy flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the beans with some cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
- You can also serve the beans with a side of rice or potatoes.
- For a healthy and refreshing option, serve the beans with a side salad.
- If you are serving the beans as a main course, you can add some grilled chicken or fish on top.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Are pinto beans good for you? Yes, pinto beans are packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. They are also low in fat and calories.
- Can I make gluten-free pinto beans? Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free chicken broth.
- Should pinto beans be soaked before cooking? You don’t have to soak the beans, but it will shorten the cooking time.
- What is the best way to soak pinto beans before cooking? Add the beans to a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 5 hours or overnight.
- How do I store leftover beans? Leftover beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the beans for up to 3 months.
Additional Resources:
- My Forking Life Pinto Beans Recipe: https://www.myforkinglife.com/pinto-beans-recipe/
- SideChef Smoked Turkey Great Northern Beans Recipe: https://www.sidechef.com/recipes/29909/smoked_turkey_great_northern_beans/
Beans with smoked turkey are a delicious and easy dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to follow and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. With its rich flavor and versatility this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
What to serve with Southern Pinto Beans
Serve this traditional Southern side dish with my Classic Southern Cornbread, which is ideal for soaking up all the gravy. It’s a terrific comfort food dish.
To refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat the pinto beans on the stove top until piping hot.
To freeze: After the pinto beans are cooked and cooled, put them in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating to piping hot.
Yes, pinto beans are a healthy option because they are low in fat, high in protein, and high in fiber. These wholesome beans are an excellent source of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium in addition to being high in vitamins and minerals.
Yes, absolutely, just ensure the chicken broth you use is a gluten-free broth.
I don’t soak the pinto beans as I cook them low and slow with the smoked turkey leg. On the other hand, the dried beans will soften and cook much more quickly the next day if you soak them overnight.
Place the beans in a big bowl and add enough cold water to cover them by two inches; this will allow the beans to swell while they soak. Set aside to soak for at least 5 hours or ideally overnight.
Please rate this recipe and let me know how it turned out in the comments section below if you have tried it—or any other recipe on my blog—for pinto beans.
How to cook Southern Pinto Beans recipe
Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot with the beans, smoked turkey leg, chicken broth, water, bay leaves, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Heat over medium-high heat until the beans start to boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until the beans are tender. This will take somewhere from 1. 5-3 hours.
After the beans are soft, take out the drumstick from the saucepan and pull the meat off the bone of the turkey. Return the meat to the pot and stir. Serve and enjoy.
These tips will help you make the best pinto beans recipe you’ve ever tried.
- When adding salt, hold off until the beans are fully cooked and you can taste the meal. The beans may become salted due to the salt content of the turkey leg and chicken broth.
- Your cooking time will be shortened if you decide to soak your beans overnight.
- The longer the beans are cooked, the softer they will be and the gravy will be thicker.
- Add a few extra veggies, such as finely chopped carrot, bell pepper, onion, and garlic, as well as celery.
- When you are cooking the beans, consider adding some fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme.
- Instead of the smoked turkey leg, try some smoked bacon or ham.
- Add a few more spices, such as chili powder, ground cumin, or smoked paprika.
- If you enjoy a spicy chili, you can add some red pepper flakes or a dash of your preferred hot sauce.
- After the beans are done cooking, add a small amount of vinegar.
