Ree Drummond, affectionately known as the Pioneer Woman, has captivated hearts and palates alike with her down-to-earth cooking style and scrumptious recipes. A true culinary icon, Ree has built a formidable empire encompassing a beloved TV show, a collection of best-selling cookbooks, a charming restaurant and hotel, and even a sought-after home and kitchen line at Walmart. But before the empire, there was a blog – and it was there, over a decade ago, that the Pioneer Woman’s journey began.
For those of us who’ve discovered Ree’s magic more recently, diving into her early recipes is like unearthing culinary treasures. Does the million dollar dip magic translate to her foundational recipes? Are her first creations as comforting and delicious as her modern-day masterpieces? To answer this, we journeyed back to June 2007, to the very first recipe Ree Drummond ever published: The Best Lasagna. Ever.
This wasn’t just any lasagna recipe; it promised to be the best. Intrigued by its bold claim and slightly unconventional ingredient list, we decided to put the Pioneer Woman’s original lasagna recipe to the test. After all, lasagna is a quintessential comfort food, a dish many of us turn to when craving warmth and satisfaction. Let’s explore what makes this “best ever” lasagna recipe tick and see how it holds up in today’s culinary landscape.
Why Pioneer Woman’s Lasagna Stands Out
Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond Lasagna Recipe
Ree Drummond’s lasagna recipe immediately distinguishes itself with its promise of accessibility. As Ree herself notes, this isn’t a recipe that demands obscure ingredients. Forget trekking to specialty stores for fresh basil, buffalo mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, or artisanal sausage. The beauty of this lasagna lies in its simplicity. Ree emphasizes that “Anyone can make this, anywhere, anytime,” and that’s absolutely true. A quick trip to your local grocery store is all it takes to gather everything you need. This focus on readily available ingredients is a hallmark of Pioneer Woman recipes, making home cooking approachable and enjoyable for everyone.
The recipe also takes a detour from traditional Italian lasagna by incorporating ingredients like cottage cheese and breakfast sausage. This unconventional twist is part of its charm, offering a comforting, familiar flavor profile with a unique Pioneer Woman spin. It’s a testament to Ree’s ability to create delicious, family-friendly meals using ingredients that are staples in many American kitchens.
Ingredients You’ll Need: Pioneer Woman Lasagna Recipe List
Before you embark on your lasagna adventure, gather these easily sourced ingredients:
- 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 pound hot breakfast sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14-1/2-ounce) cans whole tomatoes
- 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
- ¼ cup dried parsley, divided
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 3 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Ree specifically mentions Kraft)
- 1 pound sliced mozzarella
- 1 10-ounce box lasagna noodles
Essential Kitchen Tools for Pioneer Woman Lasagna
To make this lasagna with ease, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools:
Round Dutch Oven kitchen wedding gifts
Dutch Oven or Large Skillet: A Dutch oven provides ample space for browning meat and simmering the sauce, but a large skillet will also work.
Pyrex Glass Baking Cover Pyrex
9×13 inch Casserole Dish: A casserole dish of this size is perfect for layering the lasagna and baking it evenly.
Gir Spatula Ecomm Spatula or Spoon: A silicone spatula or sturdy spoon will be helpful for stirring and spreading ingredients.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Lasagna
Let’s break down the process of creating this comforting lasagna, step by step:
1. Making the Hearty Meat Sauce
cooking tomato sauce on stove for pioneer woman lasagna
Begin by browning the ground beef and hot breakfast sausage in your Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, usually about a minute. Drain off approximately half of the grease from the meat mixture, ensuring the sauce isn’t overly oily.
Stir in the tomato paste and canned whole tomatoes. Add two tablespoons of dried parsley, dried basil, and one teaspoon of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 45 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together beautifully. As it simmers, the whole tomatoes will break down, creating a rich and flavorful sauce base.
Chef’s Tip: For an even deeper flavor, consider blooming your tomato paste. Before adding the canned tomatoes, sauté the tomato paste in the rendered fat for a few minutes. This caramelizes the sugars in the paste, intensifying its flavor.
2. Preparing the Creamy Cheese Filling
cheese filling in mixing bowl for pioneer woman lasagna
While the sauce is simmering, prepare the cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, remaining two tablespoons of dried parsley, and the remaining teaspoon of salt. Stir until everything is well combined. Don’t worry if you’re not a cottage cheese enthusiast; as Ree promises, it blends seamlessly into the lasagna, contributing a wonderful creamy texture without a strong cottage cheese flavor.
3. Cooking the Lasagna Noodles
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until they are al dente. Remember that the noodles will continue to cook in the oven as the lasagna bakes, so avoid overcooking them at this stage. Be sure to generously salt your pasta water – this is crucial for flavorful noodles that aren’t bland.
4. Assembling Your Pioneer Woman Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Begin layering the lasagna:
- Noodles: Arrange four lasagna noodles to cover the bottom of the dish. You may need to break some noodles to fit.
- Cheese Filling: Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Mozzarella: Layer half of the mozzarella slices over the cheese filling.
- Meat Sauce: Spoon half of the meat sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat: Repeat layers with the remaining noodles, cheese filling, mozzarella, and meat sauce.
- Parmesan Finish: Sprinkle the top generously with the grated Parmesan cheese.
At this point, you have options. You can bake the lasagna immediately, or you can cover it tightly and refrigerate it for later baking (within a day or two). For longer storage, you can also freeze the assembled, unbaked lasagna.
Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until it is heated through, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time allows the lasagna to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Tasting the Pioneer Woman Lasagna: Our Honest Review
Slice of Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond Lasagna
The Pioneer Woman’s lasagna isn’t trying to be an authentic Italian masterpiece, and that’s perfectly okay. What it delivers is pure comfort food bliss. The initial skepticism about the cottage cheese melted away with the first bite. Ree was right – the cottage cheese is undetectable in flavor but contributes an incredibly creamy and luscious texture that elevates the lasagna. The mozzarella provides those satisfyingly gooey cheese pulls we all crave.
While the Kraft Parmesan works in a pinch, for those seeking a more pronounced Parmesan flavor, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano would be a worthwhile upgrade next time.
The breakfast sausage is a brilliant touch. The hot breakfast sausage adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor that complements the ground beef beautifully. The meat sauce is plentiful and hearty, ensuring every bite is satisfyingly meaty and saucy. This lasagna is rich, comforting, and incredibly filling. A simple side salad is all you need to complete this meal.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pioneer Woman Lasagna
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer less spice, use mild breakfast sausage instead of hot. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat if desired.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick during simmering, add a splash of water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Ricotta cheese can be used in place of cottage cheese if you prefer a more traditional lasagna filling. A blend of mozzarella and provolone would also be delicious.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Lasagna is an excellent make-ahead dish. Assemble it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to bake. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this hearty lasagna with a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion: Is Pioneer Woman’s Lasagna Really the Best?
While “best ever” is a bold claim, the Pioneer Woman’s lasagna recipe is undeniably delicious, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. It’s a testament to Ree Drummond’s knack for creating approachable, family-friendly recipes that deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. The unconventional ingredients work surprisingly well, creating a unique and memorable lasagna experience. Whether it’s “the best ever” is subjective, but it’s certainly a fantastic, crowd-pleasing lasagna recipe that deserves a spot in your recipe repertoire.
Ready to experience this comforting classic? Try Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman Lasagna tonight and discover the magic for yourself!
