Southern Style Green Beans and Potatoes

When it comes to making these Southern Style Green Beans and Potatoes, we’re talking southern comfort with a twist. It’s a must-have vegetable to have on your dinner table. Flavored with spices and packed with protein.

There’s nothing like turning old-fashioned green beans into a southern-style side dish that’s loaded with hearty goodness. I could honestly eat a bowl of these green beans all by itself because it’s loaded with tender potatoes, smoked turkey sausages, and smoked turkey necks. Yummy!

It’s not often that I get to indulge in this type of goodness unless it’s a special occasion or something, and I have already decided that I will have to make a pot of these green beans more often.

What makes these Southern Style Green Beans so special?

I’m glad you asked! This dish features a unique blend of spices, seasonings, and added protein. There’s smoked turkey neck and smoked turkey sausages. The green beans have been slow-cooked until they’re nice and tender. What truly makes this recipe special is that you can enjoy it as either a side dish or a main dish—it’s up to you!

Let’s take a look at the flavoring factors that play a large role in turning ordinary green beans into this delicious Southern-style cuisine.

Southern Style Green Beans List of Ingredients

• Smoked Turkey Neck & Smoked Turkey Sausages – The amount of flavors that the smoked turkey neck adds really brings this side dish up a notch.
• Vegetable Base seasoning – I used Better than Bouillon
• Smoked Paprika
• Salt & Pepper
• Sugar
• Onions, Garlic
• Red Potatoes
• Chicken Broth
• Green Beans – Fresh or Frozen
• Olive Oil
• Turkey Gravy Mix

Preparing the Green Beans

• For Fresh Green Beans, start by cleaning the green beans, then drying off any excess water. Cut both ends of each green bean and discard the ends. If you desire bite-sized pieces, then cut them in half and place cut green beans in a mid-size to large bowl.
• Frozen Green Beans, all you have to do is take them out of the freezer. Remove the green beans from the bag and place the green beans into a mid-size to large bowl. Allow to sit out on the counter until defrosted.

Prepping Other Ingredients

• Onion – Peel and dice the onions
• Garlic – Feel free to use minced or fresh garlic
• Red Potatoes – Start by washing the potatoes. You can choose to leave the skin on or peel the potatoes; either way, the potatoes will be so delicious. Cut the potatoes equally into mid-size cubes and set aside.
• Turkey Necks- rinse the turkey necks and remove the castings.
• Smoked Sausages- Rinse and cut into small bite size and set aside.

How to make Southern Style Green Beans and Potatoes

1. In a Pot add the Chicken Broth, 1 cup of water, Better Than Bouillon seasoning, and Turkey Neck. Bring to a rolling boil for 20 minutes. (Note: you will notice the liquid will cook down).
2. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes or until the turkey neck is tender.
3. Transfer the turkey neck and its liquid into a bowl or container. Set aside to allow to cool. Once the turkey neck cools down. Shred with a fork, removing all meat from the bone. Discarding the bone.
4. Heat extra virgin olive oil in the same pot on medium heat and add the diced onions. Sauté them for 2- 3 minutes, then add the smoked sausages. Stir together the onions and sausages to keep them from burning.
5. Add in 1 Turkey Gravy Mix packet and add 1 cup of water. Stirring until there are no lumps in the gravy.
6. Add in the Green Beans, Garlic, Seasoning, Sugar, and add back in the shredded Turkey Neck Meat with its liquid. Cover and bring to a light boil for 15 minutes.
7. Then add in the already cut potatoes. Cover and cook until the Potatoes are fork-tender. Remove from the heat and enjoy!

Recipe Ingredient Swap

• Onions & Garlic can be substituted for onion and garlic powder instead.
• The turkey neck and smoked turkey sausages can also be swapped out for pork or beef. It’s what you prefer to have, and it all tastes oh so delicious.
• When it comes to the Green Beans, you can use Fresh, Frozen, or Canned Green Beans, but (note that if you are using canned green beans, please drain the can of its liquids and follow the recipe).

How to Store Leftover Green Beans

We love being able to go back to some good leftovers, especially when all you have to do is reheat. It saves us time, and we love that. However, storing your leftover green beans properly is important for food safety purposes.

Cook Style Eat Tips:

• Cool Down: Ensure that your green beans have cooled to room temperature after cooking.
• Refrigerate: When storing, use a air tight container and store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: If you plan to store green beans for an extended period, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove any excess air from the bag to keep it air-free. Finally, seal the freezer bag securely.
• Label: When labeling leftover green beans, include the following information for clarity: Date Stored: Clearly write the date you stored the green beans. This helps you keep track of their freshness. Contents: Specify that the container holds green beans, so anyone can easily identify the contents without opening it.