Ina Garten Turkey Meatballs – Tender, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor

Looking for a lighter take on a comfort food classic? Ina Garten’s Turkey Meatballs are everything you want—flavorful, moist, and satisfying—without being heavy. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining, these meatballs are baked, not fried, and simmered in marinara for extra richness.

What Are Ina Garten’s Turkey Meatballs?

These meatballs are made from lean ground turkey mixed with fresh bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and seasonings. They’re formed by hand, baked until golden, and then finished in a simple tomato sauce. The result is a soft, juicy meatball with classic Italian flavor.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Barefoot Contessa Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
• Barefoot Contessa Fresh Corn Salad
• Ina Garten Make-Ahead Cranberry Sauce

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Turkey Meatballs

• Lean yet tender – Ground turkey keeps it light
• Baked, not fried – Easier and healthier
• Perfect with pasta or subs – Versatile main dish
• Great for make-ahead meals – Freezer-friendly
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing – Familiar, comforting flavors
• Ina-approved balance of herbs and cheese – Well-seasoned without overpowering
• Simple ingredients – Nothing overly fancy

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Turkey Meatballs

• 2 pounds ground turkey (preferably dark meat for moisture)
• 1 cup fresh white bread crumbs (about 3 slices of bread)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ¾ cup warm milk
• Olive oil, for baking
• 1 jar (or 4 cups) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Optional garnish: fresh basil, more Parmesan

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Turkey Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Soften the Bread Crumbs

In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and warm milk. Let them soak for a few minutes to soften.

Step 3: Mix the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, soaked bread mixture, eggs, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently using your hands or a spoon until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 4: Form the Meatballs

Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form 1½–2 inch meatballs. Place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake meatballs for 20–25 minutes, or until firm and slightly golden. They should be cooked through but not dry.

Step 6: Simmer in Sauce

Transfer baked meatballs into a saucepan with heated marinara sauce. Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Serve with spaghetti, over creamy polenta, in a sub roll, or with a green salad and crusty bread.

What to Serve With Turkey Meatballs

• Spaghetti or linguine – Classic pairing
• Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta – Comfort food twist
• Garlic bread or focaccia – Great for dipping in sauce
• Steamed or roasted vegetables – Adds color and balance
• Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash – For a low-carb option
• Caesar or arugula salad – Crisp and refreshing contrast
• Stuffed into hoagie rolls – For meatball subs

Expert Tips for Mastering the Recipe

• Use dark meat turkey – For extra moisture and flavor
• Soak bread crumbs in milk – Ensures tender texture
• Don’t overmix – Prevents dense, tough meatballs
• Bake instead of fry – Easier and less messy
• Let them simmer in sauce – Adds depth and softness
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes – For subtle heat
• Use freshly grated Parmesan – Better texture and melts

Variations of the Recipe

• Add chopped spinach or grated zucchini – Boosts nutrition
• Stuff with mozzarella cubes – Surprise cheese center
• Use Italian sausage and turkey mix – For a richer taste
• Swap parsley for basil – Slightly different herbal note
• Top with shredded provolone before serving – For a melty finish
• Make mini meatballs for appetizers – Bite-size and fun
• Serve with pesto or vodka sauce instead – For variety

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps for 3–4 days
• Store with or without sauce – Both work
• Reheat gently in sauce – On the stovetop or in the microwave
• Freeze after baking, before sauce – For up to 2 months
• Label and date – To track freshness
• Thaw overnight in the fridge – Then heat in a sauce
• Don’t freeze raw – Cook before freezing for best results

How Do I Reuse Turkey Meatballs?

• Make meatball subs – On toasted rolls with melted cheese
• Serve in a grain bowl – With quinoa, roasted veggies, and tahini
• Add to soups – Like Italian wedding or tomato-based stews
• Slice into wraps or pitas – With lettuce and yogurt sauce
• Chop and toss into pasta bakes – For extra protein
• Serve as sliders – With small buns and slaw
• Layer into a casserole with marinara and cheese – Easy dinner

Nutritional Value (per 2 meatballs without sauce)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 360mg
• Sugar: 1g

FAQs

How do you keep turkey meatballs from drying out?

Use dark meat ground turkey and soak the bread crumbs in milk. Avoid overbaking and let the meatballs finish in sauce to stay moist and tender.

Can Ina Garten’s turkey meatballs be made ahead?

Yes, you can fully bake the meatballs, let them cool, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Do I need to cook turkey meatballs in sauce?

They’re first baked for structure, then simmered in sauce for added flavor and moisture. This two-step method gives the best results.

What’s the best way to reheat turkey meatballs?

Simmer gently in marinara sauce on the stovetop or heat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Turkey Meatballs are a flavorful, healthier take on a timeless favorite. With tender texture, balanced seasoning, and a classic tomato sauce finish, these meatballs are ideal for easy dinners, entertaining, or weekly meal prep. Simple, satisfying, and always delicious.

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