We’ve always been fans of Ina Garten’s fresh take on classics, and her turkey burger recipe from Barefoot Contessa stands out as a healthier twist on the traditional burger. It’s packed with flavor from simple ingredients that make it juicy and satisfying without the heaviness of beef.
In our kitchen, we’ve adapted this recipe to bring you a version that’s easy to whip up for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues. Whether you’re seeking a lighter meal or just want to impress with gourmet vibes, this turkey burger delivers every time.
Ingredients
In our take on Ina Garten’s Turkey Burger Recipe Barefoot Contessa, we focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that deliver a lighter, flavorful twist to classic burgers. We’ve adapted the list for easy weeknight prep while staying true to her gourmet style.
- Ground turkey: 1 pound of lean ground turkey, fresh or thawed, as the base for juicy, protein-packed patties.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, to add a sweet, aromatic foundation.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for that essential savory depth.
- Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped, to infuse bright, herbaceous notes.
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup of plain breadcrumbs, for binding the mixture and maintaining texture.
- Egg: 1 large egg, beaten, to help hold everything together without overpowering flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon, for a tangy umami boost.
- Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon, to enhance the gourmet edge with a subtle kick.
- Salt and pepper: 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, to season and balance the overall taste.
Tools and Equipment
To bring our Turkey Burger Recipe Barefoot Contessa to life with ease and precision, we rely on a few essential tools that streamline preparation and ensure professional results. These items help us handle the fresh ingredients—like lean ground turkey, onions, and garlic—while adapting Ina Garten’s gourmet style for everyday cooking.
Essential Preparation Tools
We start with basic yet crucial tools for mixing and shaping the patties:
- Mixing bowl: A large, sturdy bowl (at least 2 quarts) to combine ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. Opt for a glass or stainless steel option for easy cleaning.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate sets to measure ingredients precisely, ensuring the flavors balance as Garten intends—such as 1 cup of breadcrumbs or 1 tablespoon of mustard.
- Cutting board and chef’s knife: A solid cutting board paired with a sharp chef’s knife for finely chopping onions and garlic, which adds that signature fresh crunch to our burgers.
Cooking Tools
For grilling or cooking the patties to perfection, we recommend:
- Grill or skillet: A gas or charcoal grill for that smoky flavor Garten loves, or a non-stick skillet if we’re cooking indoors. Aim for even heat to achieve juicy, flavorful results without drying out the lean turkey.
- Spatula: A wide, heat-resistant spatula to flip patties gently, preventing them from breaking apart during the cooking process.
- Meat thermometer: Essential for checking internal temperature—we target 165°F for safe, succulent turkey burgers—to avoid overcooking and maintain that gourmet appeal.
By using these tools, we make the process efficient and enjoyable, turning a simple weeknight meal into a Barefoot Contessa-inspired delight.
Instructions
We walk you through Ina Garten’s Turkey Burger Recipe Barefoot Contessa with simple steps that deliver a juicy flavorful burger every time. Let’s create this lighter gourmet twist on a classic favorite using our high-quality ingredients and tools.
Prep
In this step we prepare the turkey mixture to ensure it’s packed with flavor and holds together perfectly. Start by gathering your ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- In the bowl combine 1 pound lean ground turkey with 1 finely chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic for a fresh aromatic base.
- Add ¼ cup fresh parsley roughly chopped ½ cup breadcrumbs and 1 beaten egg to bind the mixture.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper for that signature Barefoot Contessa zest.
- Use your hands to mix everything until just combined—overmixing can make the burgers tough.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ½-inch-thick patty pressing gently to form a slight indentation in the center to keep them even during cooking.
Cook
Now we cook the patties to achieve a golden exterior and moist interior reaching the ideal safe temperature for turkey.
Follow these steps on a preheated grill or skillet set to medium-high heat (around 375°F):
- Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until they develop a beautifully browned crust and release a savory aroma that signals they’re ready to flip.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature ensuring it reaches 165°F for food safety—under no circumstances serve them below this.
- If grilling cover the grill briefly for the last 2 minutes to lock in juices and enhance that smoky flavor Garten loves.
For cooking times based on method here’s a quick reference:
| Cooking Method | Time per Side | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Grill | 5-7 minutes | 165°F |
| Skillet | 6-8 minutes | 165°F |
Assemble
Finally we assemble the burgers to turn them into a gourmet meal ready for serving.
- Toast 4 burger buns in a skillet or on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp adding a warm nutty contrast to the turkey patty.
- Place each cooked patty on a bun and top with fresh lettuce slices ripe tomato and a dollop of mayonnaise or Garten’s preferred tangy sauce for a burst of flavor and color.
- Serve immediately stacking the burgers high for that irresistible presentation that makes every bite satisfying and visually appealing.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Turkey Burger Recipe Barefoot Contessa is its flexibility for busy schedules. We can prepare components in advance to save time without sacrificing the fresh, juicy flavors that Ina Garten’s style delivers. This approach ensures our burgers remain flavorful and ready for quick assembly, whether for a weeknight dinner or a spontaneous barbecue.
Preparing the Patty Mixture Ahead
To get a head start, we begin by mixing the ingredients as outlined in the previous steps. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. Avoid overmixing to keep the mixture tender and prevent it from becoming tough.
Once mixed, we divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties. For optimal results, form 4 to 6 patties depending on size, aiming for about ½-inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
Storage Options
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of our Barefoot Contessa-inspired turkey burgers. We recommend the following methods:
- Refrigerator Storage: Place the formed patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This keeps the flavors fresh and makes assembly effortless.
- Freezer Storage: For longer-term planning, arrange the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen patties last up to 3 months, allowing us to enjoy Ina Garten’s gourmet touch anytime.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 24 hours | Keep covered to retain moisture and flavors. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for safe cooking. |
Thawing and Cooking Tips
When we’re ready to cook, thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator for at least 8-12 hours to ensure even heating and food safety. Once thawed or freshly prepared, preheat the grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, as measured with a meat thermometer. This step locks in the savory, herbaceous notes while delivering a perfectly browned exterior that’s both crispy and succulent.
By following these Make-Ahead Instructions, we streamline our Turkey Burger Recipe Barefoot Contessa for maximum convenience without compromising on taste or texture.
Conclusion
We’ve explored how Ina Garten’s turkey burger recipe brings gourmet flair to everyday meals. It’s a simple yet satisfying option that fits busy lives while delivering bold flavors.
Let’s fire up the grill and enjoy these burgers together—they’re sure to become our go-to for healthier, delicious dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ina Garten’s turkey burger recipe?
Ina Garten’s turkey burger recipe from Barefoot Contessa offers a healthier twist on traditional burgers, using lean ground turkey mixed with fresh ingredients like onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for weeknight dinners or barbecues, providing a lighter, gourmet option that still satisfies burger cravings.
What ingredients are needed for the turkey burgers?
The key ingredients include lean ground turkey, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, breadcrumbs, a beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and basic seasonings. These high-quality, fresh components create a juicy, flavorful patty that’s lighter than beef burgers while maintaining Garten’s signature gourmet style.
What tools are required to prepare turkey burgers?
You’ll need a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a cutting board and chef’s knife for prep, a grill or skillet for cooking, a heat-resistant spatula for flipping, and a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers reach 165°F internally for safe, even cooking.
How do you prepare and cook the turkey burgers?
Start by mixing ground turkey with onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and seasonings in a bowl—avoid overmixing. Form into patties, then cook on a preheated grill or skillet until browned and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Assemble on toasted buns with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and sauce for a delicious meal.
Can you make turkey burgers ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the patty mixture in advance for busy schedules. Form patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to have a quick, gourmet meal ready, allowing you to enjoy Garten’s flavors without last-minute prep.
How should you store and thaw turkey burgers?
Refrigerate raw patties in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and cook thoroughly to 165°F to maintain quality, flavor, and safety.
Why choose turkey burgers over traditional beef burgers?
Turkey burgers are a healthier alternative, offering lean protein with fewer calories and less fat than beef, while still being flavorful and satisfying. Garten’s recipe adds gourmet touches with fresh ingredients, making them ideal for lighter meals, weeknights, or barbecues without sacrificing taste.