8 Ina Garten Main Courses That Will be the Star of Your Holiday Menu

A quick note for the parents who are simultaneously dreaming of a Martha Stewart-worthy holiday spread and wondering if they’ll actually have time to pull it off between soccer practice and last-minute gift wrapping: Ina Garten is about to be your culinary superhero.

Picture this: You’re standing in your kitchen, surrounded by sticky countertops, a sink full of dishes, and children who are alternately whining about being hungry and refusing to eat anything that isn’t shaped like a dinosaur. The thought of preparing a holiday main course that will impress your judgy mother-in-law (or those perfectly curated Instagram food bloggers) seems about as realistic as getting your toddler to wear matching socks.

Enter the Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina Garten – the kitchen goddess who makes sophisticated cooking look as effortless as throwing a frozen pizza in the oven. Her main course recipes aren’t just meals; they’re culinary magic tricks that transform ordinary home cooks into dinner party wizards. We’re talking about dishes so delicious that your kids might actually sit still for more than 37 seconds and your partner will look at you with a mix of awe and “who ARE you?”

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or someone whose idea of “cooking” usually involves a microwave and a prayer, Ina’s recipes are your ticket to holiday meal domination. No fancy culinary school required, no obscure ingredients that cost more than your monthly grocery budget, and – most importantly – no stress. Just pure, delectable, crowd-pleasing main courses that will make you feel like you’ve got this whole adulting thing down pat.

So grab a glass of wine (or hey, a sippy cup of whatever keeps you sane), and let’s dive into some Ina Garten main courses that are about to become the unexpected stars of your holiday menu.