Ree Drummond, known as The Pioneer Woman, began her journey as a home cook sharing glimpses of ranch life in Oklahoma. This relatable start blossomed into a media empire, encompassing five cookbooks, a beloved Food Network show, and even a charming hotel in Pawhuska. Ree’s approach to home cooking has resonated deeply, achieving a level of comforting domesticity many aspire to. Exploring her recipes offers a delicious way to bring that warmth into your own kitchen.
Lesson 1: The Undeniable Appeal of Comfort Food from The Pioneer Woman
The Pioneer Woman Cooking Show perfectly embodies the spirit of comforting, family-friendly meals. Like many home cooks, dedicating Sundays to meal prep makes weeknight dinners much smoother. Ree Drummond’s recipes are ideal for this approach, often creating dishes that are not only satisfying on the day they’re made but also reheat beautifully throughout the week.
Mac and cheese is a timeless comfort food classic, and Ree’s version is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially for families. Her Quick Shells and Cheese recipe (found in The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime) manages to be both incredibly easy to prepare and deeply delicious – a hallmark of many Pioneer Woman cooking show recipes. Another comforting staple showcased on the show and in her cookbooks is pot roast. The Perfect Pot Roast recipe is a testament to simple, flavorful cooking. Its savory richness and ease of preparation in a Crockpot make it perfect for a relaxed Sunday cooking session and enjoyable leftovers during the week.
Perfect Pot Roast Recipe Inspired by The Pioneer Woman Cooking Show
Ingredients:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- One 3- to 5-pound chuck roast
- 2 or 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 whole onions, peeled and halved
- 6 to 8 whole carrots, unpeeled, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup red wine, optional
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 or 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 or 3 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the halved onions on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- Toss carrots in the same hot pot, browning slightly for about a minute. Reserve with the onions.
- Add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sear the chuck roast in the hot pot for about a minute per side until browned all over. Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze the pot with red wine or beef broth (about 1 cup), scraping the bottom with a whisk to loosen browned bits. Return the roast to the pot and add enough beef stock to cover it halfway.
- Add onions, carrots, and fresh herbs.
- Cover with a lid and roast for 3 hours for a 3-pound roast, or 4 hours for a 4- to 5-pound roast, until fall-apart tender.
Lesson 2: Breakfast is a Celebration on The Pioneer Woman Cooking Show
Breakfast recipes are a highlight on The Pioneer Woman cooking show, emphasizing hearty and satisfying morning meals. Inspired by make-ahead breakfast convenience, much like the recipes from Joanna Gaines, a good breakfast casserole becomes a family favorite. These dishes, often prepped the night before, simplify busy mornings and offer enough servings for multiple meals. Ree Drummond’s Loaded Tater Tot Bake recipe perfectly captures this spirit. It’s a delightful and easy-to-make dish, closely resembling Ree’s own breakfast creations featured on her show. For those seeking more variations, exploring other Pioneer Woman tater tot casserole recipes, such as this one, can provide further inspiration for your next brunch or family breakfast.
Loaded Tater Tot Bake recipe inspired by Pioneer Woman cooking show
Lesson 3: Indulgent and Divine Desserts from The Pioneer Woman
Breaking out of dessert routines is easy with inspiration from The Pioneer Woman cooking show and cookbooks. While chocolate chip cookies are a classic, exploring new dessert recipes adds excitement to baking. Ree Drummond’s original Pioneer Woman cookbook is a treasure trove of sweet treats. Missy’s Blueberry and Lemon Cupcakes are a standout example, offering a delightful combination of flavors that are both refreshing and satisfying, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. These cupcakes are a wonderful project to try, bringing a taste of Pioneer Woman’s dessert magic into your home.
Missy’s Blueberry and Lemon Cupcakes Recipe Inspired by Pioneer Woman Desserts
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons finely shredded lemon peel
- Butter baking spray
- Blueberries, coated with flour
Frosting:
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 stick cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- For the batter: Cream together butter and eggs. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, milk, and lemon peel. Gradually mix the butter and egg mixture into the milk and sugar mixture. Then, blend the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Line a cupcake pan with paper liners, spray with butter baking spray, and fill each liner three-quarters full with batter. Gently fold flour-coated blueberries into each cupcake. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- For the frosting: Combine powdered sugar, butter, cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl. Beat until light and fluffy. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes and garnish with lemon peel, fresh blueberries, and a mint leaf, if desired.
Lesson 4: The Cowboy Chopped Salad – A Pioneer Woman Showstopper
For a recipe that truly stands out, look no further than the Cowboy Chopped Salad, a dish praised on The Pioneer Woman cooking show for its incredible flavor and versatility. This salad is not just a side dish; it’s a complete culinary experience. Perfect as a satisfying meal at home, it’s also an exceptional side to bring to gatherings. Its unique and savory profile makes it a guaranteed hit. The Pioneer Woman truly demonstrated her culinary expertise with this recipe, showcasing how simple ingredients can combine to create something extraordinary.
Cowboy Chopped Salad Recipe Inspired by The Pioneer Woman
Ingredients
Bacon and Tortilla Strips:
- 12 slices bacon, chopped
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
BBQ Ranch Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- Buttermilk, as needed
- Hot sauce, as needed
- Kosher salt
Salad:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, cut into chunks and sliced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 bunch scallions, sliced
- 1 pound Cheddar, grated
- Pico de gallo, store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- For bacon and tortilla strips: Fry bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp (about 8 minutes). Drain on paper towels. Add vegetable oil to the bacon skillet and fry tortilla strips until crisp (about 1 minute). Drain on paper towels.
- For BBQ ranch dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, barbecue sauce, parsley, chives, and garlic in a bowl. Thin with buttermilk to desired consistency. Season with hot sauce and salt to taste.
- For salad: Combine lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, bacon, and most of the cheese in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss. Top with pico de gallo, tortilla strips, and remaining cheese before serving.
Ree Drummond’s recipes, as featured on The Pioneer Woman cooking show, are celebrated for being both delicious and approachable. While they lean towards comforting and indulgent flavors, perfect for family meals and gatherings, it’s worth noting that many are calorie-rich. For those mindful of healthy eating, Pioneer Woman recipes are ideal for special occasions and potlucks, offering delightful treats in moderation.
Explore More Pioneer Woman-Inspired Recipes:
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Pioneer Woman Million Dollar Dip recipe idea
Million Dollar Dip This Pioneer Woman potluck recipe is a true indulgence! The blend of cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese creates a perfect balance of tanginess and sharpness. Serve with vegetables or pretzels for dipping. You might also enjoy million-dollar deviled eggs and million-dollar spaghetti recipes. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp recipe for dessert
Apple Crisp Ree Drummond’s apple crisp is a guaranteed success. Tart Granny Smith apples combined with sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon create a simple yet incredibly delicious dessert. This apple crisp is a classic example of her favorite comfort food recipes. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Mystery Rolls recipe for family meals
Mystery Rolls This secret family recipe from Ree’s mom uses just three ingredients—biscuit dough, blue cheese, and butter—to create rolls that will impress everyone. Go to Recipe
Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars recipe for fall baking
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars These dreamy pumpkin bars will become a fall baking staple. This recipe is designed for an 8-by-8-inch pan but can easily be doubled for a 13-by-9-inch dessert. Go to Recipe Looking for more? Try this Pioneer Woman cheese ball recipe loaded with cheddar, bacon, and ranch flavors.
Chicken Tortilla Bake Exps Ft24 4993 Jr 0305 1Chicken Tortilla Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Spicy Casserole Ree Drummond enjoys a spicy casserole, and while this bake is delicious as is, adding salsa or hot peppers would surely get her approval! Go to Recipe
Caramel Brownies Exps Tohd24 16952 Laurascherb 9Caramel Brownies Recipe photo by Laura Scherb for Taste of Home
Caramel Brownies Indulge your sweet cravings with these rich, gooey caramel brownies. Topped with crushed walnuts and layered with caramel, these brownies are a delightful treat. Go to Recipe
Overnight SaladERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME
Layered Salad Layered salad is a potluck staple, and Ree’s classic version includes bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and peas, among other delicious ingredients. This make-ahead version is perfect for easy entertaining. Go to Recipe
Lemon Bars Recipe photo by Leticia Almeida for Taste of Home
Lemon Bars These tangy lemon bars are always a crowd-pleaser. Their vibrant color and shape make them a beautiful addition to any dessert platter. Go to Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Exps Ft24 194244 Jr 0221 6Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Enjoy the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu in an easy-to-make casserole. This dish is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds. Go to Recipe
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Exps Ft24 6790 St 0221 3
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars These sweet and buttery strawberry oatmeal bars are made with simple ingredients and are incredibly easy to bake. Go to Recipe
Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole Exps Tohd25 172886 Jonathanmelendez 10Loaded Twice-Baked Potato Casserole Recipe photo by Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole Reviewers rave about this twice-baked potato casserole, praising its make-ahead convenience and the delicious taste of twice-baked potatoes with less effort. Go to Recipe
Baked BeansTaste of Home
Baked Beans Baked beans are a potluck essential, and while Ree often uses just pork and beans, this version includes seven types of beans for added color, texture, and flavor. Go to Recipe
Taste of Home Grasshopper Pie photo of the finished recipe cut into slices and served on a plate.ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME
Grasshopper Pie Ree’s grasshopper pie is a popular favorite. Cream cheese and whipped topping create a luscious base for the minty green filling. A guaranteed family pleaser, ranch or not! Explore more pie recipes like million-dollar pie. Go to Recipe
Southwest Vegetarian Bake Exps Ghbz18 26649 B08 08 3b 3Southwest Vegetarian Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Southwest Casserole Similar to Ree’s Mexican rice casserole, this vegetarian dish includes olives, black beans, and corn for a flavorful twist. Go to Recipe
Taste Of Home Cranberry MeatballsChristmas Meatballs Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Saucy Meatballs The Pioneer Woman’s meatball recipes are a hit, and this one features a rich sauce with tomato paste and beef broth, enhanced with cranberries for a unique touch. Craving more? Try Pioneer Woman’s brisket recipe. Go to Recipe
Lemon Vinaigrette Potato Salad Exps146067 Th2379797b11 14 4bc Rms 4
Lemony Potato Salad Potato salad is a potluck must-have. This lighter version of Pioneer Woman’s lemon basil potato salad retains all the bright, zesty flavors. Go to Recipe
Easy Ziti BakeEasy Ziti Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Baked Ziti Baked ziti is always a crowd-pleaser. This bake is similar to Ree’s reliable recipe, featuring three cheeses and plenty of beef. Go to Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Salad Exps Tohd24 175204 Dianachistruga 9Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Salad Recipe photo by Diana Chistruga for Taste of Home
Chicken Taco Salad The Drummond family loves chicken taco salad, and this slow cooker version simplifies meal prep. Ree often uses slow cookers for big-batch recipes, a technique perfect for busy cooks. Go to Recipe
