Southern-Style String Beans with Smoked Turkey Necks and Potatoes

 Southern-Style String Beans with Smoked Turkey Necks and Potatoes

A Comforting Classic with Rich Southern Flavors

If you’re craving a soul-warming, home-cooked meal, Southern-Style String Beans with Smoked Turkey Necks and Potatoes is a must-try! This dish is packed with deep, smoky flavors, tender string beans, and hearty potatoes—all simmered in a rich, seasoned broth. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and nourishment, making it a family favorite across generations.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or a side dish for a Southern-style feast, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The smoked turkey necks infuse the broth with bold, savory notes, while the slow simmer ensures every bite is infused with flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients!

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Ingredients & Their Essential Roles

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

1 pound string beans (fresh or frozen): These provide a crisp, slightly sweet contrast to the savory broth. Fresh beans offer the best texture, but frozen work well, too.

2 smoked turkey necks: The star of this dish! They add an unbeatable smoky, meaty richness that deepens the broth’s flavor.

2 medium potatoes (diced): These soak up all the delicious broth, making them soft, creamy, and full of flavor.

Aromatics & Seasonings:

1 onion (chopped): Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the dish.

2 cloves garlic (minced): Enhances the savory notes with a rich, aromatic touch.

2 cups chicken broth: Serves as the flavorful base, carrying the seasonings and smoked meat essence throughout.

Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the dish’s best qualities.

Olive oil: Used to sauté the aromatics, adding a slight richness to the dish.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics for Maximum Flavor

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they turn soft and translucent—this step builds a flavorful base for the broth.

2. Brown the Smoked Turkey Necks

Place the smoked turkey necks into the pot and let them brown for 2–3 minutes per side. This helps release their natural smokiness into the dish.

3. Build the Broth & Simmer

Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, stirring to incorporate the flavors. Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let the turkey necks cook for 15–20 minutes, allowing the meat to start tenderizing.

4. Add the Potatoes and String Beans

Toss in the diced potatoes first, as they take longer to cook. After 5 minutes, add the string beans and stir everything together.

5. Season & Let the Flavors Meld

Add salt and pepper to taste, then cover the pot and let everything simmer for 30–40 minutes. The broth will reduce slightly, and the vegetables will absorb all that incredible smoky flavor.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

Once the potatoes are fork-tender and the string beans are soft but not mushy, your dish is ready! Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, Southern-style masterpiece.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Packed with Bold, Smoky Flavor – The turkey necks infuse the broth with deep, rich taste.

✔ Easy to Make – Minimal prep and simple ingredients mean less time in the kitchen.

✔ Budget-Friendly & Nutritious – A wholesome meal made with affordable, hearty ingredients.

✔ Versatile – Serve as a side dish or a satisfying main course.

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Pro Tips for the Best String Beans & Smoked Turkey Necks

✅ For Extra Tender Turkey Necks: Let them simmer an extra 15–20 minutes before adding the vegetables.

✅ Want a Thicker Broth? Mash a few of the potatoes toward the end of cooking to create a richer texture.

✅ Add a Kick of Heat: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.

✅ For Even More Flavor: Replace some of the chicken broth with bone broth or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for depth.

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Serving Suggestions

Complete your meal with classic Southern pairings:

Cornbread: The perfect side to soak up all the flavorful broth.

Steamed Rice: Turns this dish into a heartier, full meal.

Collard Greens or Cabbage: For an extra dose of Southern comfort.

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Final Thoughts: A Simple Yet Irresistible Dish

This Southern-Style String Beans with Smoked Turkey Necks and Potatoes recipe is the epitome of comfort food done right. It’s rich, smoky, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or soulful Sunday dinners. With just a few basic ingredients and an easy cooking process, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked all day.

Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it! Let us know

 in the comments how yours turned out, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow food lovers!